Important Part of the DC Telework Discussion: Real Telework Success Stories

August 27th, 2010

Do a Twitter search on the word “telework” and you’ll find all kinds of tweets, ranging from “Yay, no commute–I get to telework tomorrow” to “Managers aren’t buying into telework.” There are articles and blogs throughout the Internet discussing this topic of telework and how it will impact federal agencies and DC government contractors.

If you peel back the layers of misinformation about how employees can’t possibly have the technology necessary to do their jobs effectively or how managers can’t keep tabs on lazy employees, you’ll find the true stories of telework.

For example, Danette Campbell, Senior Adviser for Telework with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, was featured in a GovernmentExecutive.com article, sharing that the organization’s 13-year-old telework program now has more than 5,600 employees working successfully from home at least one day per week. She writes that PTO has created a workforce that can work seamlessly from remote locations with all business units now participating in the telework initiative.

Campbell suggests having the right tools and structure in place has enabled their telework program to be successful. She points to the following as essential pieces to the telework puzzle:

  • Appropriate eligibility criteria
  • Pilot programs
  • Collaboration tools
  • IT and non-IT training
  • Enterprise-wide policy and business unit guidelines
  • Clear performance measures, and labor-management partnerships

It’s these telework success stories that are beginning to emerge that will convince skeptical managers and agencies that telework can truly work as long as the right solutions are in place.

DC Telework Solutions are available to help agencies and DC government contractors make the transition to working remotely streamlined and successful, so that productivity can remain high and flexibility can increase.

To learn more about DC Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 8:00 pm and is filed under Blog, Government Contractor Solutions, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

5 Reasons to Consider DC Telework Solutions for Your Business

August 24th, 2010

Telework is more than a buzz word; in fact, it’s becoming somewhat of a revolution in the DC business world—particularly for federal agencies and DC government contractors who are being told now is the time to move forward with telework initiatives. While there is still resistance from some managers, the more managers and employees learn about effective and established telework programs, the more they realize that telework success is possible and probable if the right solutions and technology are in place.

Below are the top five reasons to consider DC Telework Solutions for your business, organization or agency:

#1 Achieve Increased Flexibility and Productivity

Case studies show telework increases productivity and flexibility. Considering there is no commute, no office chit chat, no office donut delivery, no jokes of the day from the office clown, it makes sense that working outside of the office with the right technology has the potential to ramp up productivity. Employees can work during peak performance times and have the flexibility to maximize the work-life balance, creating happier, more productive employees that ultimately benefit business.

#2 Cut Costs

Is it possible to support ten employees for $1000 a month? Yes, it’s possible with DC Telework solutions that combine the best cutting edge telework technology with on-demand access to professional office space.

#3 Gain a Competitive Edge

Companies and federal agencies that choose to incorporate telework solutions into their business practices put themselves at the forefront of what is progressive and current in today’s business world and their individual industries. Telework helps you to become an industry leader, which catches the positive attention of clients who want to work with businesses who are at the top.

#4 Obtain Affordable, Expert Support

DC Telework Solutions come with built-in support and services to help your business perform better. From trained phone answering services to essential admin support, the services are available to promote a professional image, improve customer service, and keep clients impressed with the way you do business.

#5 Answer the Call from the Federal Government

As if all of the benefits of telework are not enough, the federal government has delivered the message to federal agencies and businesses that telework is the solution to help promote green initiatives, improve DC Metro Area traffic conditions and cut costs in an effort to improve the budget. With the right telework solutions in place, making the transition from working in a traditional office environment to working remotely can be seamless and beneficial to all parties involved.

To learn more about DC Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 4:50 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Why a Washington Virtual Office is the Smart Choice for DC Teleworkers

August 17th, 2010

When a DC Metro area teleworker or other employee needs access to a fully-equipped office right away, Washington virtual office provides the professional environment necessary to keep productivity flowing. There’s no need to travel through a painful commute to get to the traditional office or make-due with a home office that is less-than-professional. Washington DC virtual offices provide all of the tools available in a permanent office, so working remotely can be more efficient and convenient than ever.

Perhaps your company or agency is considering the transition to an office-less organization. More and more businesses are realizing that a permanent office location isn’t always necessary to business. In fact, now more than ever, businesses have the tools and virtual office space available to them to conduct any work task away from the office.

Washington virtual office space is revolutionizing the way people do business and saving businesses money, as they can significantly reduce office space and office expenses when more employees work remotely. Fewer employees in the office mean less need for permanent space and office managers. It is even possible to cut out the permanent office altogether and have the entire staff working remotely through use of Washington virtual office, DC meeting rooms and Telework Solutions.

Imagine the real estate and maintenance costs that could be saved if the entire staff transitioned to telework. The good news is these savings do not have to mean a sacrifice in productivity. Washington virtual office space provides everything workers need to stay on task working efficiently. Whether workers need to host an\ important business meeting or training or just spend some time online with wireless high-speed Internet in a comfortable yet professional office environment, there are virtual office locations throughout the DC Metro, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.

For more information on Washington Virtual Office, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 11:34 am and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Why Telework is the Ultimate Employee Benefit that Benefits Business

August 13th, 2010

While telework has many benefits for employees and has proven to be a great way to keep employees loyal to the company, it also brings numerous benefits to businesses. Companies and organizations can experience big cuts in operational costs, improve employee effectiveness and increase environmental efficiency.

Telework Solutions offers to the total package to DC federal agencies and businesses that are moving forward to answer the call from the federal government to increase telework efforts. The transition from working in a traditional office environment to working remotely can be challenging, but the right services and support cut out the trial and error and keep business running smoothly through the changes.

By utilizing innovative Telework Solutions, businesses have access to cutting-edge telework technology and on-demand, professional DC meeting rooms, which revolutionize the way business is done. Employees can use the technology, such as the VoIP platform, to work from the comfort of their homes, or they can reserve a convenient, private office in one of many available locations around the DC Metro Area.

Telework Solutions is a big, but simple step, toward making a company more efficient, productive and environmentally-friendly. If inclement weather or other crises make getting to the office impossible, having Telework Solutions as a part of business practices means there will be no need for business slow down. Workers will remain productive and customers will stay happy, even if the rest of the DC Metro Area is closed for business. Telework is the ultimate business continuity plan.

Among the business benefits to Telework Solutions are:

  • Unified Communications including VOIP with local number
  • Follow-me/ Find Me phone technology
  • Unlimited domestic long distance
  • Voicemail to e-mail
  • Telephone answering
  • Call screening
  • Membership to all Metro Office locations
  • Access to meeting rooms, Virtual Clubs, Lounges, FlexDesks, and Guest Offices at any Metro Office location

To learn more about Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 8:20 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Top Three Tips for Managing DC Telework Employees

August 3rd, 2010

With the Federal government’s push to increase telework efforts, many managers are left wondering exactly how to effectively implement a telework program. One of the primary questions emerging is how to manage telework employees to ensure they keep productivity high. Below are three tips for managing DC telework employees to ensure business continues as usual, even as it is done remotely.

1. Choose the right employees and positions for teleworking.

Not every position is right for telework. While most jobs can be conducted outside of the office, there are some that require face-to-face interaction with team members or use of specialized equipment that is only available in the traditional office environment. In addition to considering the positions, evaluate employees’ work ethic to determine if telework is a good option. Employees who currently perform well in the office are likely to do well working remotely. However, those who require consistent guidance or assistance may need to be in closer proximity to management.

2. Provide necessary telework training and support.

Employees who are new to telework need the proper training and support when it comes to the essential technology they will use to work remotely. Metro Offices Telework Solutions are designed to help agencies and businesses establishing telework programs gain an understanding about how to transition employees from working in the office to working outside of the office. Whether employees will be utilizing VoIP technology, FlexDesks, or shared office space, the right training will get them started on the right foot and offer the support they need to keep productivity high from Day One.

3. Provide convenient DC virtual office space.

Although most job tasks can be conducted from home via telework technology, there are times when telework employees will require a professional office space for meetings, trainings and other business-related tasks. Employees can have on-demand access to fully-equipped office space in a convenient location. There’s no need to travel all of the way to the permanent office location for a meeting when there are more than 34 professional DC metro area sites available through simple online reservations. Whether employees need to have face-to-face meetings, teleconferences or just want to make copies of documents, they can find everything they need in these fully-equipped physical workspaces.

Telework is truly the new and improved way of conducting business. Federal agencies and other business can save time and money when more employees telework, and productivity can remain high and even increase with the right telework solutions.

For more information about Virtual Office Solutions, FlexDesk, Telework, Washington DC office space, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 8:58 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

How DC Virtual Office Services Support New Telework Initiatives

July 23rd, 2010

Since the House recently passed the Telework bill, many federal agencies and government contractors have had to rethink the way they conduct business and, consequently, are beginning to develop a plan for more employees to telework. Whether a business is venturing out into the world of telework for the first time or just planning to increase the number of teleworkers in the agency, the right support is essential to success.

DC virtual office services provide all the professional support businesses needed to do business without the hassle and expense of a traditional office. From a professional voice answering incoming phone calls and a prestigious Metro DC area business address to put on business cards to a convenient Washington virtual office location to meet your clients’ needs, these services fill in the gap teleworkers often experience in trying to work remotely. Virtual office space is available on-demand through a simple on-line reservation for times when teleworkers require a fully-equipped physical office space.

DC meeting rooms, training rooms and executive offices provide a practical way for business owners and employees to work productively when away from the office. There are over 34 physical workplaces available throughout the DC Metro area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia, allowing companies and agencies in any part of the Metro to put their best face forward for important business tasks and meetings.

When establishing a new telework program or expanding a current one, having the right support in place makes the transition as smooth as possible. DC virtual office space comes with trained administrative support as well as tech support to ensure managers and employees have everything they need and that everything is operating optimally.

How might DC virtual office services benefit your agency or business?

For more information about Virtual Office Solutions, Telework, Washington DC office space, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 8:10 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

DC Telework Benefits Federal Agencies, Businesses on Many Different Levels

July 20th, 2010

In addition to a call from the Federal government to federal agencies and government contractors to increase telework efforts, telework makes good business sense on a variety of levels. This new emphasis on teleworking will alleviate numerous issues businesses are currently experiencing.

Budget Constraints

Budgets are tighter than ever for businesses across country in nearly every industry. The economy is still in a state of recovery, and businesses are seeking ways to cut costs without decreasing services to customers. By utilizing available telework technology, businesses can ensure workers have all of the tools they need to complete business as usual without having to maintain a large office facility. Businesses can either significantly downsize their office space or go “office-less,” utilizing a combination of telework solutions and on-demand DC office space and meeting rooms to conduct all necessary business tasks.

Continuity of Operations

When bad weather or another type of disaster strikes, companies need to be able to operate fully and provide services even when they cannot make it to the office. Having a telework program in place enables government contractors and employees to keep the government or business running smoothly, even when there is chaos in the outside world.

Green Business Practices

The Federal government and other businesses around the country are focused on finding methods to operate optimally in ways that are less detrimental to the environment. Telework allows employees to significantly decrease commuting, which reduces energy usage and air pollution. Additionally, telework reduces office waste by decreasing the number of employees taking up space and utilizing the office on a day-to-day basis.

Now is the time for federal agencies and businesses to experience these benefits and more through telework solutions. For companies who are establishing telework programs for the first time, support services are already in place to make the transition from office-working to working remotely as smooth as possible.

For more information about Virtual Office Solutions, Telework, Washington DC office space, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 7:58 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

What’s next for DC Telework?

July 16th, 2010

The Telework Improvements Act passed late Wednesday in the House, and now many telework supporters as well as skeptics are left wondering, what’s next? There was much discussion on social media sites and in the media about the pros and cons of telework in the days and months prior to the bill passing, and now is the time when federal agencies and government contractors will put aside these discussions and move on to determine how to implement telework into their operations.

The bill, which passed 290 to 131, was designed to jumpstart the government’s telework program by expanding remote working options. The legislation requires agencies to appoint a telework managing officer to set up policy to encourage more employees to work from home or an approved center for telework like Metro Offices.

Federal agencies and government contractors will also receive more telework guidance through the bill, including policy for increased monitoring and guideline enforcement. For example, certain employees with a history of inappropriate Internet usage or excessive work absences will not be allowed to telework. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office will gather data to determine whether the telework programs are effective.

Agencies Will Succeed in Telework Efforts with the Right Support

As agencies and government contractors move forward to expand, or in many cases, establish telework programs, the right support and solutions will be essential to success. Having proven telework solutions in place will eliminate the trial and error typical of developing new programs.

Agencies utilizing Metro Offices’ telework solutions will begin Day One with all of the support and technology necessary to complete every work task remotely.  Even meetings and trainings can be handled with ease outside of the office, thanks to Metro’s fully-equipped DC meeting rooms.

With solutions including telephone answering services, professional administrative support, on-demand access to executive office space, and other virtual office services, agencies can gain a competitive advantage and be one-step ahead in adopting telework practices.

For more information on Blended Workforce Solutions, Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 16th, 2010 at 8:23 pm and is filed under Blog, Government Contractor Solutions, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

DC Teleworkers Can Experience the Benefits of Metro Office’s New Partnership with Officescape

July 9th, 2010

A new partnership between leading telework company Officescape® and Metro Offices will change and improve the way people do business in the DC Metro Area. This is the first collaboration between the most experienced DC Office Space provider and the innovative telework technology Officescape® provides.

Officescape® utilizes advanced technology and offers the next-generation of office services today by combining virtual office flexibility with physical office functionality. What this means for DC area teleworkers and businesses is the benefit of a state-of-the-art workplace solutions and cutting-edge telework technology to take remote business practices to a higher level of productivity and effectiveness.

With these services, businesses can accomplish all work tasks and projects away from a permanent office location, decreasing office-related costs while keeping productivity at the highest level. As companies are seeking more affordable and practical methods to do business, this partnership comes at the perfect time to meet needs for location flexibility and budget constraints.

From government contractors and home-based businesses to start-ups and companies of any size, the combination of telework solutions and on-demand physical office space provides businesses with a distinct advantage over competitors. Businesses stuck in the old way of doing business are unable to keep up with today’s transitioning business environment, which is why taking advantage of these innovative solutions sets businesses apart from the pack.

With the expansion of federal government and contractors in the Washington, DC area, on-demand professional offices, telework services and FlexDesks are emerging as ideal alternatives to traditional offices. Furthermore, traffic congestion in the metropolitan area can be significantly relieved by government and corporate changes through the location flexibility telework and access to DC office space provide.

For more information on Telework, Executive Office Spaces, FlexDesk and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 8:20 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Top Ten Reasons to Telework

July 2nd, 2010

Business owners and workers who are already using Telework Solutions know how these services can transform their levels of flexibility and productivity, helping to keep them on top of things in a transitioning business world. Yet others who haven’t experienced telework for themselves are understandably skeptical.

In order to better understand the value of telework, consider this top ten list of reasons you should incorporate telework into your business plan:

#1 Telework is convenient. Snow storm, road construction, sick child—no problem. With Telework Solutions, workers can keep up with work tasks regardless of what barriers prevent them from making it into the office.

#2 Telework increases productivity and flexibility. No commute. No office chit chat. No office donut delivery. No jokes of the day from the office clown. When you telework, you deal with less disruptions and can maximize the time you spend working. No lengthy commute means you have more time to work and far less headaches.

#3 Telework cuts costs. Can you think of any other way to support 10 workers for $1000?

#4 Telework has proven to decrease leave time and vacation time. When people have the additional freedom and flexibility that teleworking brings, there is less need for leave time and vacation.

#5 Telework increases employee morale and creates happy employees. Happy employees make productive employees, and telework has proven to bring more job satisfaction to employees.

#6 Telework decreases employee turn-over rates. When employees are happy and have the freedom to telework, they are far less likely to seek employment elsewhere.

#7 Telework is cutting-edge and gives your company the competitive advantage. Businesses who utilize telework immediately put themselves at the forefront of what is current and progressive in the business world. Clients and customers will notice and appreciate you being at the head of innovation.

#8 Telework is affordable. Not only can telework give businesses the ability to operate optimally without costly expenditures on real estate, leasing fees and administrative costs, but the actual telework solutions are affordable and can be customized to work within each company’s budget constraints.

#9 Telework comes with built in support and services to take your business to the next level. From access to Washington DC meeting rooms to essential administrative support, Telework Solutions include the services necessary to help your business maximize the teleworking experience and prepare your business for success.

#10 Telework is the new way of doing business anytime, anywhere. With the technology available in today’s business world, there is no reason for businesses to continue operating in the same old way- just because that’s the way it has always been done. New times call for new and better solutions. The top businesses today are zeroed in on finding ways to becoming more efficient while utilizing cost-effective methods, and telework fits the bill.

To learn more about Telework, Executive Office Spaces, and other cost-effective business solutions visit Metro Offices online at www.metroffice.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 at 7:24 pm and is filed under Blog, Virtual Work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

« Older Entries