Four years ago, 55 employees participated in the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) pilot telework program.  A year later, the agency launched the full program, which allows employees to work full or part-time from their home offices.  Today, 112 headquarters employees and 39 regional employees participate in one of the federal government's pioneering telework programs. 111 participants are part-time and 40 are full-time teleworkers.  Mary Musgrove, Operating Accountant, Office of Chief Financial Officer, shared with us, in her own voice, her experiences of working outside of the workplace.   

After almost 36 years of coming into the office daily, over two years ago, I became a part-time teleworker. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure about teleworking because I thought, maybe, working from home would affect my performance – not true.  Also, prior to teleworking, I had a good relationship with my colleagues and supervisors and it was important that teleworking didn’t change those relationships – it didn’t.

I am an early person; I get up at 4:45a.m. every morning.  At 6:00a.m., I go down to my alternate work station, a 30 second commute, logon, make sure my work phone line is transferred and start my work day.  My alternate work place is set up just like my office at NTSB; I have a desk, a computer, a printer, and a file cabinet where I maintain my work files.  I read my emails, print reports, and make phone calls to staff throughout  the day.  Keeping the lines of communication open with my co-workers is very important to me in case they, or I, need help or have a question on a report or assignment.

Although I telework three days a week, I make myself available to come down to the office anytime I am needed.  I also understand I am at work although I am working from a home office and it’s important to me that I complete my assignments timely and accurately.  I am able to perform my duties effectively.
 
I also like to come into the office to break the setting.  It’s a perfect balance.  Part-time teleworking has made a difference in my life and health.   Commuting an hour daily, in good traffic, I was stressed.  I felt like I had already worked eight hours (I am talking about first thing in the morning some days).  As a part-time teleworker I am stress free.  Also, I can perform my assigned work with no interruptions.  I really get more work accomplished. 

Teleworking may not be for everyone.  I take my job and performance seriously and it is important that I provide effective and efficient service to support the agency.  Teleworking part-time still means going to work fulltime – it works for me.