Telecommuting
Program County of Los Angeles
California

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In an innovative program introduced by Los Angeles County, more than 2,600 employees—3 percent of the county's work force—spend two or three days each week working at home or at offices near their homes. The Telecommuting Program was launched in 1989 to help reduce air pollution from auto emissions. The program's greatest benefit, however, has been a happier and more productive work force, according to studies sponsored by the program.

The program works best for employees who require minimal supervision and who have a high degree of understanding of their jobs. Carefully screened employees in 230 different county job classifications, from clerks to executives, are telecommuting. About 82 percent are in managerial or professional jobs and the rest hold clerical, data entry, or technical positions. The Telecommuting Program is increasing productivity by reducing office distractions and by enabling employees to balance work and family demands more easily. It has also been effective in accommodating employees with physical disabilities or those with injuries who would otherwise be drawing workers' compensation.

An evaluation of telecommuters in the county assessor's office reported that they processed their work at a rate 64 percent faster than workers in the office. Productivity in the assessor's office rose 34 percent after telecommuting was instituted.

The most difficult challenge in starting the telecommuting program was convincing middle managers to allow employees to work away from the office. To address these concerns, the county sponsored training programs for telecommuters and their supervisors. To counter union fears of telecommuting employees being exploited, the county developed a "Telecommuting Standard" to ensure that off-site workers will continue to be recognized as full-time employees and will maintain their benefits and coverage.

County officials have received more than 200 inquiries about telecommuting from the private sector. Recent studies estimate that such programs can save $13,000 annually per employee in office expenses, lower absenteeism, and increased productivity.