Teleworking

Teleworking – is a privilege, not an employee right. It is an arrangement in which an employee works from a location other than the traditional office

 

Teleworking

 

 

 

Travis County offers employees the choice of teleworking while recognizing the benefits:

  • Boosting employee morale and productivity;
  • Promoting options for employees to effectively balance work-life commitments;
  • Providing an additional employee recruitment and retention tool;
  • Boosting employee job satisfaction;
  • Reducing absenteeism;
  • Increasing the County’s ability to provide essential services during/following an emergency;
  • Improving air quality;
  • Reducing traffic and parking congestion; and,
  • Maximizing the use of County resources, including office space.

Keep in mind, even though you may not be in the office working, teleworking has the same responsibilities and expectations just like when working in the office.

What Does it Take to be a Good Teleworker?

  • Requires minimal supervision
  • Requires minimal social interaction
  • High level of job knowledge and skill
  • Prefer alternative office environments at least sometime
  • Is self-motivated
  • Wants to telework
  • Is well organized
  • Demonstrates a high level of productivity
  • Comfortable working alone
  • Has a reliable work history

Who is eligible to Telework?

Per section 109.432, Minimum Employee Eligibility Requirements:

  • To be eligible to Telework, an employee must be a Regular employee unless Teleworking is necessary to meet specific business needs of the department.
  • The employee should meet and maintain the following standards:
    • A high level of knowledge of the work requirements;
    • Dependability and the ability to work independently and productively with minimal supervision;
    • Proven ability to establish clear objectives and perform well;
    • Successful organizational and time management skills;
    • A performance evaluation rating of “meeting or exceeding expectations”; and
    • No disciplinary actions or performance issues.

And must be a regular employee who is:

  • Hired without a limit to the duration of his or her employment, and
  • Eligible for employee benefits.

Can I work telework if I have children or if I am the primary care giver for a dependent or sick person during COVID-19 or some other emergency situation?

Telework is not a substitute for dependent care.  Per section 109.436, Employee’s Responsibilities (12): “Arranging for another person to provide care during Telework hours if any member of the employee’s household needs care during the hours he or she is scheduled to Telework (like a child under 11 years old or a sick or injured person or an elderly person), and taking appropriate accrued leave if any lapse occurs in the caregiving arrangements”.

**However, during the pandemic of COVID-19, Travis County is making an exception.

What if I want to go out of town with my family, can I still telework?

It is at the discretion of the employee’s manager. It is recommended that if an employee is authorized to telework while out of town, the employee obtains manager’s approval beforehand and expectations and schedules are set in advance, and all Travis County policies apply.

Can I be required to telework?

Per section 109.426: 109.426 (b) Teleworking is as an alternative work option used to meet the business needs and enhance the productivity of each County department. It is available at the discretion of and upon the approval by an employee’s Department Director and with the consent of the employee. (c) A department cannot require an employee to Telework and an employee does not have a right to Telework. Teleworking is not an employee benefit.

If my internet service is interrupted or no longer functions, what do I do?

Per section 109.436 Employee’s Responsibilities (6) “If connectivity to the Internet at the Telework Site is not working reliably, reporting any interruption to the supervisor and then going to Designated Headquarters to continue working until connectivity is restored unless the employee takes accrued holiday or vacation leave”

Can my telework hours be different than the hours I normally work when in the office?

This situation is subject to your supervisor’s approval and the operational needs of Travis County, otherwise there is no restriction on how much flexibility may be allowed to teleworkers in this regard.  Since telework eliminates commute time, it may make sense for the teleworker to begin their work day earlier or later than they would if they were in the office.  However, the amount of flexibility will be determined by your supervisor and the business needs of Travis County. 

Does an employee have a right to telework?

Per section 109.426: 109.426 (b) Teleworking is as an alternative work option used to meet the business needs and enhance the productivity of each County department. It is available at the discretion of and upon the approval by an employee’s Department Director and with the consent of the employee. (c) A department cannot require an employee to Telework and an employee does not have a right to Telework. Teleworking is not an employee benefit.

If I am a new employee, can I start teleworking immediately?

It is recommended that employee wait 6 months before teleworking.

In order to succeed at teleworking, an employee must have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to telework. New employees need time to adjust to their new job and to acquire necessary knowledge and skills to work independently.

Can I use my own computer to telework?

Yes. You are responsible for maintenance and upkeep of your computer, not Travis County. Your personal computer must use Windows 10 as the operating system. Do not store any Travis County documents on your personal computer. Make sure to sign in using a VPN and save files in your network folders.

Can I email myself the files I need to work on to my personal email address?

No, sending emails to your personal email account is not a secure way to send files. Connect via VPN, Outlook Web Access or log into your OneDrive to get to the documents you need.

What if I have technical problems while working from home?

Before your first day as a teleworker, sign in remotely to confirm that you can and that there are no problems. If you have problems, call the IT helpdesk at 512 854 9175.

As a supervisor how do I know my employee is actually working while they are at home?

As Supervisor, the focus should be on how much work the employee is accomplishing. In the office, an employee may look busy, but is not actually producing any work results. By focusing on the work product instead of the work activity, many supervisors find they are better able to communicate clear expectations to their employees. When supervisors and telework employees agree on job expectations, it often leads to increases in employee productivity and job satisfaction. Many supervisors already use this method of management by results.

As an employee I am worried that my supervisor will not value the work that I accomplish while at home.

You would not have been approved for teleworking if your supervisor did not think you were a good candidate to work independently and productively at home. Focus on job expectations and work results to show that you are being productive. Reminder, taking webinars and on-line trainings is part of personal growth and considered work.

Will Travis County issue me a laptop so I can telework if I don’t have my own computer?

Your department may or may not be able to supply you with a laptop to telework. Teleworking is a privilege, not a right. Not all departments are able to provide their employees with laptops.

What happens if I am injured while teleworking?

Per section 109.439 County Responsibilities (a) County provides workers’ compensation coverage during Telework scheduled work hours while performing work functions in the designated Telework Site. (b) County administers workers’ compensation for Teleworkers in the same manner that it is administered for workers at County work locations. (1) Injured Teleworkers must notify their supervisors immediately and complete all requested documents. (2) Telework scheduled work hours are those stated in the Telework Agreement or, if none are stated, the work hours applicable when the employee works at the County work location. (c) County assumes no liability for: (1) Injuries that occur in the Telework Site outside of the Telework scheduled work hours; (2) Injuries to the Teleworker in the employee’s home outside of the designated Telework Site; (3) Loss, damages, injuries in or to the Teleworker’s residence that occur to family members, visitors, or other in the Telework Site; or (4) Damages to equipment owned by the Teleworker and used in Teleworking or resulting from Teleworking.

How can I claim tax right off for teleworking?

Travis County is not qualified to provide tax advice to employee. It is recommended that you consult with a tax preparer to obtain more specific information about the tax implications of telework.

 

There are a lot of benefits to teleworking: less stress, less time commuting, increased job satisfaction, more productivity, improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion, and many more. However, teleworking does require some transitioning. Listed below are best practice recommendations to make the transition easier for you.

    • Designate your “office” space: Once you are in your “office”, your brain will associate that space with “it is time to work” and you will be more focused. If other household members occupy the same living space during your work time, by being in your ”office” will let them know that you are busy. You can also let other household members know when not to disturb you by placing a red piece of paper/scarf/bandana when you should not be disturbed and a green one when minor interruptions are acceptable.
    • Establish Work Hours: Just like you are expected to arrive and leave at certain times when you are in the office, do the same when teleworking. This practice makes it easy for manager, co-workers, and household members know when to interact with you.
    • Stop Working: When working from home, it is easy to blur the line between working and your personal life. When it is quitting time, QUIT. Prevent teleworking burnout by turning off VPN and stay out. Place your work phone in a drawer where you can’t see it and you won’t be tempted to look at it.
    • Take Breaks: Just like you do in the office, it is ok to take a 10 minute break and stretch and move. Studies indicate that employee who work from home typically move less. The new smoking is inactivity. Don’t be a statistic, get moving.
    • Take A Lunch Break: A lunch break can leave you refreshed, energized, more focused and lifts your spirit. Taking a lunch break and stepping away from your screen provides a resting opportunity for your eyes. Just do it.  
    • Take A Sick Day When Sick: If you are too sick to go to the office, you are too sick to work from home. When your head is pounding or you have a stomach virus, take the day off. When you need to rest, rest. Get better so you will be more productive.
    • Get Ready For Work: Just like you had a morning routine when you went into the office every day, develop a morning routine for starting to work from home. Don’t stay in your pajamas all day. If you are wearing bedtime clothes, your brain will think and function like it is bedtime. Wear clothes that are as comfortable as pajamas but aren’t actually pajamas, or get dressed up in fancy clothes.
    • Set daily goals, track them and share your progress:  Start each day by writing down what you need to achieve and then track your progress.  Report progress on work tasks to your supervisor and colleagues as requested or necessary.

 

ARTICLES ABOUT TELEWORKING

Productivity When Working From Home

Managing Teleworkers

Businesses Expanding Teleworking