TheWashington Post is doing a series of articles on transportation, including telework and related topics. Katherine Shaver's Sunday kick-off article focused on traffic issues with A Cheaper, Faster Way - Subtle Answers Offered for Region's Traffic Jams (10/26/03). Today's article is Steering Employers Toward Telework (10/27/03). 

The article includes an enlightening perspective of how telework would affect traffic during different times of the day:

"A shift to more teleworking won't dissolve traffic congestion. In fact, its benefits quickly diminish if those working from home take advantage of the more flexible schedules to make extra car trips, such as to the grocery store or their children's school. Indeed, experts say, most traffic consists of people running errands, not driving to work.

"But allowing more people to skip the commute even one day a week could have a noticeable impact on the worst traffic. That's because much of the region's road and transit network functions well much of the day. It's the morning and afternoon commuting rushes that are most taxing for the highways, roads and transit systems."

Performance improvements are the big payoff noted with Nora Buchanan Will, who "has been telecommuting for six years as a trademark examining attorney for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ... Debbie Cohn, group director of the trademark law offices, part of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, said the agency expanded its telecommuting program after finding "extremely positive" results in a two-year pilot program. ... Cohn said attorneys who work from home get through about 10 percent more cases each fiscal year. "

I have to take issue with the idea that teaching, in particular, doesn't lend itself to teleworking. On the contrary, many organizations have been very successful with e-learning projects and initiatives. In fact, a growing number of colleges and universities are offering degree programs using this approach. And even jobs like policing and construction have some components that could be done from home or another location, it's just a question of how often.

You can follow the Post's special report at http://www.washingtonpost.com/metro/specials/transportation/, or check back here and follow along with me.

2:37:58 PM    
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