Members of the Federal Managers Association (FMA) from across the country came together the week of March 26th in Crystal City, Virginia for FMA’s 69th annual National Convention & Management Training Seminar.

As part of the Management Training Seminar, FMA invited a panel of experts to discuss the use of telework by federal agencies. These experts included Jack Penkoske of the Defense Information Systems Agency, Stephen O’Keeffe from the Telework Exchange and Kathy Kadilak, a retired federal employee from the Department of Justice. Given their diverse backgrounds, the session provided a unique perspective on the use of telework by the federal government.

To give you a better idea of the type of material covered and the benefits of attending the Management Training Seminar, FMA has provided video clips for you to view this portion of the Training Day.

Telework Panel Introduction

The telework panel is introduced by Leonard Lew, President, Zone 7

Telework Panel Part 1

Steve O’Keeffe, Executive Director of Telework Exchange, discusses the results of a study conducted by Telework Exchange and FMA.  He illustrates telework’s evolution, drivers and inhibitors, and the mismatch between common telework perceptions and realities as seen by both federal employees and managers. 

Telework Panel Part 2

Steve O’Keeffe continues to discuss the results of a study conducted by Telework Exchange and FMA.  He lists the study’s recommendations for strengthening telework, and discusses the work and upcoming events of Telework Exchange. 

Telework Panel Part 3

Kathy Kadilak, a retired federal employee from the Department of Justice, discusses the positive impact of telework on productivity while offering tips on necessary adjustments to managing styles for those implementing a similar program. 

Telework Panel Part 4

Kathy Kadilak continues to discuss the use of business criteria in determining a candidates eligibility for telework and the importance of a personalized communication structure when implementing a telework program.   

Telework Panel Part 5

Jack Penkoske discusses his work with the Department of Defense, dispelling common myths about the security of telework and advocating telework as a tool for recruitment and retention. 

Telework Panel Part 6

Jack Penkoske continues to discuss various methods of securely using telework, the possibility of expanding the practice beyond Washington D.C., and the idea of implementing commonsense measurement tools with telework employees.

Telework Panel Part 7

Jack Penkoske concludes his discussion of the possibilities associated with telework. The Question/Answer session begins with the panel answering questions like, how technologically astute must a teleworker be?

Telework Panel Part 8

The Question/Answer session continues, and the panel discusses telework possibilities for offices that work closely with the public or elected officials, and issues of poor performance. 

Telework Panel Part 9

The Question/Answer session concludes.