Deployment of Telework in European Public Administrations

The case
Background and motivation
In the context of overall restructuring of the central administration, it was originally planned to
outsource the Federal Office of Metrology and Surveying. With 1,700 employees, this office is a
division of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs. A feasibility study showed an internal
reform as the cheaper solution. A reduced labour force will be managed without loss of jobs, but
based on reduced replacement of retired employees. The reform targets a reduction of the number
of departments and remote office sites.
Implementation
The remaining satellites are serving as hubs for tele-cooperation and are also available for private
users as telecentres. 25% of the administration's employees are expected to use their homes as
offices. Further to this, a 15% increase of productivity via telework is expected. The major benefit
for employees is seen in new opportunities to choose their workplace, whereby the employer
provides a brokerage domain for jobs to enable the coordination of individual choice and mobility.
The pilot is still in a planning phase (since the end of 1996) and was introduced during 1998. The
co-ordinator responsible for the telework concept and strategic plans at the same time holds the
function of a high level union representative. Awareness building and information processes are
considered as an important part of ‘good practice’, especially emphasising the common problem
of hierarchical transformations within public administration. 
Teleworking, intensified networking and data share via new technological equipment will be used
for increasing customer services as well as for the creation of an Austrian digital map. A
questionnaire to evaluate internal transfer needs and individual perceptions for or against telework
has been developed by the telework manager in co-operation with the DIPLOMAT project in
Vienna.
Regulations
Neither changes regarding working agreements nor shifts of employment status are foreseen for
the teleworkers in particular. Individual contracts will regulate specific telework matters.