FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Fort Belvoir's Plans, Analysis and Integration Office launched a Telework Test Pilot Program for its garrison civilian employees Sunday.
The announcement of the pilot program continues Belvoir's plan to actively develop initiatives that will decrease traffic congestion, lessen the environmental impact of commuting, and improve the quality of life for those who live and work on Fort Belvoir.
According to Mark Loyola, plans specialist with PAIO, the program runs through March 13.
"The Telework Test program is an initiative to help improve some of the traffic posture and some of the congestion we have here on post," Loyola said. "...we understand that it may not be the sole solution, but it will help alleviate some of the issues we are having.
"The mindset we have right now is if you can take one vehicle off of the road, [it] is one less car going through the gate and contributing to the congestion," Loyola said.
Loyola defined as teleworking is having the ability to work outside of the traditional office space.
"A lot of times there is a mindset that telework is completely working from home, but there are multiple areas you can work from," Loyola said. "In addition to working from home, you can work from a telework center, which is General Services Administration-approved, or from other locations.
"For this particular test pilot, we are only allowing home teleworking, but we are trying to get approval for employees to work at a telework center," Loyola said.
Although the program is encouraging as many participants as possible, not all civilian employees are eligible to telework.
"Eligibility is strictly up to the supervisor, but it is not recommended for employees new to the organization or work environment," Loyola said.
"Obviously, it is not recommended for supervisors to allow employees on probation or with a record of not performing when at work.
"Participants should also be in a telework-capable position," Loyola said.
"There are certain positions here within the garrison that simply cannot afford to telework, because you need to conduct face-to-face coordination with a person. For example, customer service positions would likely not be eligible."
Participants interested in joining the program need to approach their supervisors to discuss if teleworking is a viable option for their work.
Loyola recommends providing a good work plan to supervisors, outlining what is planned to be accomplished while in another location.
According to Loyola, an employee who is approved for telework must complete the Office of Personnel Management Handbook, "Telework for Employees 101," any other required garrison or directorate training, and review referenced regulations, guidelines and policies before beginning telework.
Telework for Employees 101 is available at telework.gov/tools_and_ resources/training/em ployees/index.aspx.
For more information, visit Belvoir's Transportation Management Ridesharing Web site, belvoir.army.mil/Belvoir_Transportation_Management.asp and click on the Telework tab.
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