Urging State Departments And Agencies To Enable Employees To Telework To The Greatest Extent Possible.
The resolution is meant to enhance government operations by attracting and retaining a talented workforce, particularly younger employees who value flexibility in the workplace. By supporting telework, Hawaii aims to make itself more competitive compared to private sector organizations, without incurring direct increases in labor costs. Additionally, by promoting telework, state departments may better manage employee productivity, particularly during emergencies, and maintain continuity in government operations.
House Resolution 61 (HR61) urges state departments and agencies in Hawaii to enable telework for employees as extensively as possible. Telework is defined as a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to perform their duties from an approved location apart from their primary office, including their own residences. This resolution acknowledges the significant transition many sectors underwent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which rapidly accelerated the adoption of telework across various organizations, including government entities.
While HR61 does not appear to face significant legislative contention, it raises the importance of balanced telework policies that monitor productivity. The resolution calls for state departments to compile a list of positions suited for remote work and assess their current telework capabilities. State agencies are also encouraged to evaluate their efforts to facilitate telework, which suggests a proactive approach to developing a resilient workforce capable of adapting to various situations, especially those triggered by unforeseen circumstances such as pandemics.