Telework Program
General Selection Criteria
FACT SHEET
The Basics
Telework is a flexible work option that enables employees to complete job duties outside of the traditional on-site work
environment. It can offer great life/work balance and increased productivity. If you would like to participate in our
organization’s telework program, or already telework but want to ensure that you are a great teleworker, please review
this document and discuss in detail the appropriateness of this work option with your immediate supervisor. While
doing so, please keep in mind the following:
 Telework is a privilege, not a right or entitlement
 Telework is considered a management tool to improve operating efficiencies and to achieve or exceed
expected business results.
 Telework arrangements are not necessarily permanent. The teleworker, his or her supervisor and or the
organization at any time, may terminate the option to telework.
 Supervisors must approve the employee’s application prior to participation in the program.
Eligibility
1. All teleworker candidates must possess a “Meets Expectation” or better performance rating.
2.
Employees1 must have no less than six (6) months regular status employment before applying to the telework
program.
3.
Employees must agree to participate in the following:
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Employee selection process (a one-on-one meeting with their supervisor)
Furniture and technology resource requirements (see Telework Definitions)
Pre-telework training and sign the Home Office Safety Checklist
Employee focus groups and/or ongoing program assessments
Conduct a Self Assessment
A great telework arrangement starts with a good self assessment. Employees should consider the following factors in
making an honest determination about their telework capabilities.
Employee Characteristics:
 Strong decision making and problem solving skills
 Ability to work with minimal supervision; self-motivated
 Process information as a primary part of their day-to-day responsibilities
 High level of skill and knowledge in dealing with work- related responsibilities
 Demonstrate a high level of productivity
 Possess strong time management skills
 Goal and task oriented
 Dependent care (child, elder or other care) arrangements are in place (Telework is not to be used as an
arrangement for child or elder care)
 Positive attitude towards teleworking
 Well-organized; use a well planned system to effectively process work tasks
 For Call Center Employees:
o Get along well with fellow teleworkers and function as a team member
o Basic understanding of how home office equipment works, and ability to perform simple
troubleshooting tasks. Keep home office equipment clean and in good working order
o Communicate with office without having to be asked or reminded
Telework Manager Characteristics:
 Positive attitude towards teleworking
 Strong communication skills
 Manages by results
 Delegates work easily
 Well-organized
 Open to non-traditional work options
Unless hired for full-time telework or as a condition of employment approved by department’s director
Telework Program Selection Criteria
Page 1 of 2
If you have any questions regarding Telework, contact our project administrator at 602-555-1212.
1
Examples of Tasks Well Suited for Telework
Work (in part or whole) where an employee works alone could include:
 Writing Reports
 Conducting business by phone
 Data Analysis
 Project Development
 Information Processing
 Scheduling
 Research
 Planning
Program Requirements
Once selected to participate in the Valley Metro Telework Program, teleworkers must:
 Sign the Telework Agreement stating that the employee understands and will adhere to all current company
and Telework Policies & Guidelines
 Commit to no less than three (3) months program participation
 Commit to providing a safe, separate and secure space for conducting work-related tasks
 Be physically present when needed for all required meetings and keep abreast of related changes
 Work only scheduled hours (for non-exempt employees, all overtime must be pre-approved)
 Maintain visibility and communication within the department and management team
 Understand all required job assignments, performance expectations, and desired results
 Be accessible within reason – during his or her agreed upon work schedule
 Adhere to attendance and overall departmental performance standards
 Actively participate in any technique improvement, suggestions, or training
 Return to the office on a permanent basis during any type of corrective action period
 Be available, if needed, for office coverage
 Schedule telework days in advance and notify management and co-workers as appropriate
If Working from Home – the Home Office Safety Checklist will include:
Teleworkers will need to maximize the necessary attributes in order to engineer the most effective use of space.This
checklist is used to safeguard the teleworker while working in his or her home office. When set up, the employee will
agree to provide a workspace with the following:
 A workstation deep enough to accommodate a monitor and keyboard directly in front of the user with the
monitor positioned 16 to 29 inches from the user’s eyes.
 A work surface where the mouse (or other pointing device) and keyboard are positioned on the same level.
 A workstation with sufficient legroom (depth and width), so there are no obstructions for knees, legs, shins or
thighs.
 A stable chair (with a five-point base) with height adjustments and a minimum of 3 inches between the front
edge of the chair and the back of user’s knees when sitting back in the chair. The chair should also provide
lower-back support while feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest.
 Working surfaces where the employee’s forearms and wrists are free from contact with hard and/or sharp
edges.
 If used, a document holder positioned approximately the same reading distance as the computer monitor to
minimize refocusing.
 A desk lamp to provide adequate light for viewing printed materials and adequate lighting throughout the
workstation.
 A work area where aisles, doorways and corners are free of obstructions.
 All electrical equipment and cords are in good working condition, grounded and UL (or equivalent) approved.
 A workstation with adequate ventilation for required occupancy.
 A workspace free from noise hazards.
 A work area free from all potential water drainage problems.
 A surge protector, wherever necessary.
 A workspace neat, clean and free of excessive amounts of combustibles.
 Floor surfaces that are clean, dry, level and free of worn or frayed seams.
 Handrails on all stairs with four or more steps.
 Working smoke detectors near the work site according to local building code.
 An easy access in the event of a safety evacuation.
Telework Program Selection Criteria
Page 2 of 2
If you have any questions regarding Telework, contact our project administrator at 602-555-1212.