The Department of Rail and Public Transportation has declared March 7 -11 as Virginia Telework Week. Businesses in Virginia are encouraged to allow qualifying employees to work from home at least one day that week. Individuals and businesses can also participate in Virginia Telework Week by visiting teleworkva.org and making a pledge. Participants who opt to have their names listed as Telework Champions will be included on the Telework!VA web site.
Teleworking for even one day a week can provide multiple benefits, which include improving employee morale, decreasing turnover, increasing the pool of prospective employee candidates, decreasing harmful emissions in the environment, and reducing traffic.
“Businesses are increasingly becoming more aware that providing a telework policy for their employees can be a proven part of a successful business management model,” states DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. “Not only can the right telework policy increase productivity and reduce wasted commute time, it can also reduce single-occupancy vehicle traffic on our congested highways.”
Companies and individuals throughout Virginia can obtain a multitude of information on telework by visiting the Telework!VA website, teleworkva.org. Northern Virginia businesses have a special opportunity to establish or expand a telework program. Through a partnership between DRPT and VDOT, businesses and employers in Northern Virginia can tap into technical assistance to develop telework policies, identify and assess positions best suited for telework, develop a technology plan, and train managers on how to manage teleworkers. Northern Virginia employers can learn more by visiting teleworkva.org/nova.
About Telework!VA
The Telework!VA program was launched by DRPT to help reduce the number of commuters on Virginia’s roadways. Telework!VA is the one-stop resource for businesses, individuals and government agencies interested in learning more about telework or starting or expanding a telework program.
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Chris Graham
