Deployment of Telework in European Public Administrations

3.2. Motivation to telework*
Nearly 70% of our interviewees in intermediate positions said that an improvement of individual
flexibility for managing work and private life was expected from decentralised office work. 50%
of employees expected savings of travel costs for staff and reduction of commuting time, often
combined with a reduction of traffic congestion as a policy objective promoted by the
organisation. The same percentage expected a higher level of retention of experienced staff. Only
one third proved to be efficiency-oriented by expecting savings of costs for the office.
We often find that bureaucracies use their original key qualifications as major components in
telework trials and schemes. For example, for the computer and communication experts at
Shannon Development telework developed as a natural side-effect of their existing daily work
with advanced telematic applications. The ‘Arbejdsskadestyrelsen’ in Denmark used its special
competence regarding injuries at work to carefully clarify aspects of employment contracts, taxes
and OHS for the own telework pilot. 
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