Chapter 696, Acts of 2021, established the Office of Telework Assistance within the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce) to:
- Establish best practices for telework policies;
- Consult with the business community and other governmental agencies, including the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Information; Technology (DoIT), as the Office determines is necessary in establishing the best practices;
- Post the best practices established by the Office on the Department’s website in a publicly accessible location;
- On or before October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, adopt guidelines on the best practices established by the Office;
- Assist private sector business entities in implementing telework policies for their employees.
Commerce developed the required best practices in consultation with DBM and DoIT and utilizing existing resources made available by DBM, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and various federal government entities.
OUTCOMES
- Best Practices: The result was “The ABCs of Teleworking – Best Practices for Telework Policies,” a brief document with general guidelines based around three main tenants for success: Appropriate Support, Better Communication, and Clear Expectations. These best practices align with the telework policies in place for State employees and are available to members of the private sector that may be looking for guidance when establishing or updating their own telework policies. The best practices can be found here.
- Grant Program: The Business Telework Assistance Grant Program assists businesses with retaining and creating jobs across the state. Funded with $1 million in Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, the program will provide grants of up to $25,000 to help businesses expand telework capabilities for their employees. These grants will help applicants purchase the equipment necessary to develop and implement telework policies, including hardware, software, and technical services. Learn more and access an application here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sarah Sheppard
443-618-8593
RESOURCES
Application and Instructions
