TVA Telework Initiatives

We reviewed TVA's efforts to implement telework as well as any planned telework initiatives. Our review determined (1) Business Practice 20, Off-site Use of Business Equipment (BP 20), provides a framework for telework; however, we found little evidence of compliance with the policy, especially as related to required training and method of approval; (2) pockets of teleworkers exist throughout TVA; however, TVA has no system for tracking individuals who telework and the extent to which they telework; and (3) employees are approved to telework by being granted remote access to TVA systems instead of following the BP 20 approval process. We also reviewed TVA's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and Pandemic Plan and determined both adequately included the use of telework in those programs. However, the COOP does not require essential employees to take their laptop computers home in the evenings to ensure continuity of operations in the event they are unable to move to the alternative location during an emergency.We recommended the Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President of Administrative Services (CAO) (1) work with other TVA organizations to determine which jobs and functions in TVA are conducive to telework; (2) consider a pilot program that would assist in future decisions about telework and identify ways to use telework to facilitate COOP planning and responding to emergency situations such as pandemics or natural disasters; (3) implement a telework policy that provides a method for approving employees to telework, appropriate training to supervisors and all employees authorized to telework, a tracking system for individuals who telework, and effective communication of TVA's telework policy to TVA employees; (4) consider designating a Telework Managing Officer; (5) consider requiring that essential employees take their laptop computers home at the end of their workday in the event an emergency occurs and they are unable to move to the alternative location.The CAO agreed to work with other TVA organizations to determine which jobs and functions in TVA are conducive to telework. Upon completion of that assessment, the CAO will take appropriate actions regarding our other recommendations.