Governmental agencies are lagging behind in adopting remote access software

In November the American City & Council (ACC) has conducted a survey which found out that 27% of respondents working in a governmental agencies are allowed to telecommute.

In the same survey another question was asked: “Considering the growth of mobile device usage and the greater broadband features, do you plan to allow more employees to telework?” The answer is, at least, surprising. A staggering 75% answered “No.”

What might this number mean? Governmental agencies are getting behind when it comes to revolutionize the workplace and to implement telecommuting as a viable work option. 

Elaborating on their responses, some of the respondents have said that showing up for work is one way of showing the public that they are accountable, while another explained that remote work was only available to accommodate those that are physically challenged and other special cases.

It seems as if governmental agencies still don’t understand what remote work means and what it can do for them, as studies have showed that telecommuting reduces travel expenses and increases productivity as well as employee happiness.

Sure, many governmental employees cannot do their jobs from the comfort of their homes but imagine how much governmental agencies would save if they allowed a more significant part of their workforce to work from home.

Still, some people, like Steve Oppermann, believe that in 2012 more governmental agencies will institute and expand remote work programs.

Steve Oppermann, an HR & EEO consultant, has said to the website GovPro that he thinks “the federal Telework Enhacement Act, as well as administration support, will continue to have a positive effect on expanding telework.” 

The Telework Enhacement Act was created to stimulate and accelerate the rate at which governmental agencies implement remote working policies, but it might not enough if the agencies don’t perceive what telecommuting can do for them. As long as telework is seen as second rate work, telecommuting will have difficulty in becoming a standard practice in governmental agencies.

Remote working solutions, such as RHUB 6-in-1 web conferencing and remote support appliance, can revolutionize the way the agencies relate with their employees, increasing their own productivity while cutting on costs.