Arizona's Top Exec Recognizes Companies Offering Telework

Governor Jane Dee Hull launched a statewide telework awareness program to encourage both private and public organizations to offer and expand telecommuting programs for their employees
The program, called the Governor's Telework Partnership, is intended to spotlight companies with successful telework programs, raising awareness and encouraging other companies to offer it as well. Arizona businesses offering telework are encouraged to apply to join the Partnership.

Forty-two companies with more than 7,000 teleworkers have been accepted as Partnership members and were recognized at the launch ceremony held at the end of May.

"Since January, CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona has successfully transitioned 44 employees to fulltime e-workers. Nationally, CIGNA Corporation employs 2,100 full time e-workers with the possibility of adding another 8,000 employees to the e-work program," Michael G. Mirt, President, Southwest Region, CIGNA Healthcare

"Telework programs can also reduce business overhead and capital costs, as well as benefit the environment. At CIGNA HealthCare, the e-work program has a solid infrastructure designed to support all CIGNA employees," Mirt said. "We are following the governor's lead on this important issue and I have already seen how telework programs have improved the lives of our employees and has increased their productivity."

"The State of Arizona also regards telework as a crucial tool for its employees," Governor Hull said. "Telework not only increases job satisfaction, retention and productivity, but it reduces the number of vehicles on Arizona roads, which is good for our air."

Every state agency in Arizona is mandated to implement the State's telework program, with a goal of 15 percent participation. Estimates show that State teleworkers annually drive 4.3 million fewer miles, generate 117,000 fewer pounds of pollution, and endure 145,000 fewer hours of stressful driving time.

"As one of the major employers in Arizona, state government values telework as a way to increase employee morale and productivity, reduce costs and increase efficiencies and improve our air quality," Hull said. "I believe in leading by example and hope that other employers will follow the State in making telework a priority."

To be considered for the Governor's Telework Partnership, applicants must:

• Have regular teleworkers
  
• Commitment to inform eligible employees about the telework opportunities through internal marketing
  
• Have one or more of the following in place as part of the program:
  
  • Selection or criteria process;
    
  • Teleworker and supervisor agreement or policy;
    
  • Training for teleworkers and supervisor

Recognition for Participating in the Governor's Telework Partnership

• Recognition at year-round telework events
  
• Use of the Governor's Telework Partnership logo for recruitment or promotion
  
• A partnership kit describing the Governor's Telework Partnership benefits
  
• Mentions in telework media releases and print telework communications pieces
  
• Listings on rideshare-related Web sites as being a part of the Governor's Telework Partnership.
  
• A link to your organization's Web site to assist job seekers and companies wanting telework advice
  
• Recognition in telework advertisements.

Charter Members of the Governor's Telework Partnership Include:

For more on Arizona's Telecommuting Programs, Click Here