State Telework Portal Offers Data, Best Practices

The state Government Operations Agency (GovOps) and the California Department of General Services(DGS), working with GovOps’ Alpha.ca.gov digital innovation team, have created a telework clearinghouse that’s designed to serve as a template for other agencies exploring or refining the practice of working remotely.

The initiative stems from the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the “best practices” and protocols are designed to be easily adaptable in those cases where teleworking can become more routine – and its effects more measurable – even after the pandemic’s restrictions are lifted.

GovOps published what amounts to a case study, laying out the problems and challenges of quantifying and standardizing telework practices; citing the solutions, including specific vendors and products; and spelling out the benefits of shifting to the remote-work model.

The site is arranged in four main areas:

• Working remotely, featuring tips and advice about home equipment, online security, balancing personal and professional time, and exploring collaboration tools.
• Supporting remote work, including guidance for managers and administrators to ensure staff safety and well-being while teleworking.
• Tracking telework, which features a detailed dashboard packed with data related to telework – savings in time, money, resources and emissions from commuting.
• A section devoted to resources to train and equip those working remotely. The information is provided by CalHR and other sources.

“The Departments of General Services, Technology and Human Resources have created this website with best practices and tips to help make telework successful for every employee and the Californians they serve,” the site says. It was produced with input from the team at Alpha.ca.gov.