This page provides information on local government telecommuting and remote work policies in Washington State, including links to regulations, examples and recommended resources.

Overview

Telecommuting programs allow employees to work from home (or at a neighborhood telework office) rather than commuting daily to a more distant work site. Telecommuting has experienced significant growth in recent years and, as telecommunications hardware and software develop and the economy becomes increasingly more digital, it may even increase at a higher rate.

Reasons for telecommuting's popularity include: increased production, more flexibility in the workplace, decreased sick leave, decreased turnover, reduced office space needs, the ability to attract or retain talented employees outside of the normal commute radius, and less pollution and traffic congestion from people driving to work. Most telecommuters work at home 1-3 days a week, work on specific projects, and many require very little in expenses. Though telecommuting also comes with challenges and is not for everyone, local governments and other organizations can create telecommuting programs that increase productivity, flexibility, and improve the bottom line.

The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 was signed into law in December 2010. Federal agencies are the primary focus of the legislation, although the act may be an example for local action. The act requires covered agencies to develop a formal telework policy, and teleworkers must be given equal treatment in performance appraisals, work environments, and other areas. Additional information regarding the act is provided in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Telework Enhancement Act page.

Examples of Policies

Below are examples of telecommuting policies and documents adopted by local governments in Washington State. Some of the policies are general in nature, while others address temporary telecommuting due to unique situations such as public health emergencies.

General Telecommuting Policies

Cities

• Bothell Telecommuting Policy (2008) – Sets out eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and regulations.
• Duvall Telecommuting Policy and Request Form (2020) – Encourages, where appropriate, the use of telecommuting in order to attract and retain a diverse and talented workforce; also allows for selective telecommuting status based on public health and safety recommendations and measures.
• Renton Telecommuting Policy, Application Form, Agreement, and Checklist (2019) –  Telework/telecommuting policy for staff who have been employed at least 12 months; includes arrangements for informal/ad-hoc telework as well as routine telework. For routine teleworkers, includes telework application, agreement, and checklist
• Vancouver Telecommuting Policy (2011)

Counties

• King County Telecommuting Policy – Sets policies, procedures and responsibilities
  • Telecommuting Checklist
• Kitsap County Telecommuting Policy (2019) – An excellent, detailed policy
• Thurston County Teleworking Policy (2012) – This particular policy was established in 2000, but it is part of the personnel policy that was last reviewed and amended in 2012
• Spokane County Telecommuting Policy (2008)

Temporary Telecommuting

The forms and agreements below were all developed to allow temporary telecommuting during the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

• Bothell Temporary COVID-19 Telecommuting Application (2020)
• Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Temporary Telecommuting Agreement (2020)
• Newcastle Temporary COVID-19 Telecommuting Agreement (2020)
• Northshore Utility District Temporary Telecommuting Policy (2020)
• Shoreline Temporary COVID-19 Telecommuting Agreement (2020)
• Tumwater COVID-19 Emergency Remote Working Policy (2020) – Includes remote work agreement, policy checklist, and application form for requesting to work remotely. 

Recommended Resources

Below are some resources to help organizations develop or implement their telecommuting policies.

• ICMA: Managing Employees You Can't See – Information on how to set expectations, maintain relationships, and connect with remote/telecommuting employees
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Telework Essentials Toolkit (2020) — Best practices and links for administrators, IT professionals, and everyday telecommuting employees to help organizations transition to a secure, long-term or permanent telework environment

Resources on Telecommuting for Reduced Traffic Congestion and Pollution Emissions

• Victoria Transportation Policy Institute: Telework - Using Telecommunications to Substitute for Physical Travel (2018) - Links to materials and resources relating to telecommunications
• Montgomery County, MD: Telework and Flextime - Progressive Options - Materials and links relating to telecommuting
• Reason Foundation: The Quiet Success: Telecommuting's Impact on Transportation and Beyond (2005)

General Resources

• U.S. Office of Personnel Management General Services Administration: Interagency Telework Site - Includes telework manual, government documents and reports, information for telecommute coordinators including sample agreement
• University of Washington: Telework Policy and Process