Patent Backlog Spurs Demand for Examiners

Calling All Managers

Give it a try:

The General Services Administration announced yesterday it will allow federal supervisors, managers and executives to work for free from one of GSA's telework centers in hopes that trial runs might build enthusiasm for telecommuting.

GSA operates 14 telework centers that provide workstations equipped with computers, telephones, printers, copiers and other equipment. The centers are outside the Beltway in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Agencies pay $25 to $49 per day to reserve a workstation.

Federal data shows that only 19 percent of eligible federal workers can be considered telecommuters, and managerial resistance is seen as the reason for what some officials consider a relatively low participation rate.

A recent survey sponsored by the Telework Exchange and the Federal Managers Association showed that concern over employee productivity and lack of control over employee activities makes it difficult for federal managers to support telecommuting.

The GSA offer, which is a response to that survey, runs through Sept. 30 -- "a no-risk, no-cost offer to federal managers to try out teleworking," said Kevin Messner, an associate administrator at GSA.

Bush administration officials and members of Congress, including Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.), have exhorted federal agencies to permit more employees to work from home or from a telework center at least one day a week as a way to cut down on traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in the Washington region.

Federal managers interested in trying out telework should contact a telework center director to make arrangements. A list of centers can be found on the GSA Web site ( http://www.gsa.gov) or GSA's Interagency Telework Site ( http://www.telework.gov).

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.