The Results are In! VGEA Telework Survey #2

August 3, 2022 – Richmond, VA

Telework Survey #2: The Results

Helping Shape Virginia’s Telework Policy through Advocacy

Background

The VGEA has continued to receive many calls and emails with questions, concerns, and frustrations about the governor’s new telework policy.

In an effort to understand the number of employees impacted, we created a survey designed as a check-in. We hoped to hear from as many employees as possible to help us determine where employee satisfaction is related to the new policy and where we need to focus advocacy efforts moving forward.

The survey was open to all state employees, and it closed on July 26, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. with 1222 responses.

Results & VGEA Response

We compiled the results in a one-page summary which we presented to the Administration.

One of the VGEA’s primary areas of consistent focus is state employee recruitment and retention, and the survey results heightened our concern. A large percentage of employees indicated they are considering private-sector jobs or retirement rather than remaining in state jobs because of the new telework policy.

We acknowledge that many employees (up to half of those eligible according to the Administration) may have chosen not to pursue telework. We also recognize that some employees and citizens are satisfied with the new telework policy. That said, the policy continues to negatively impact significant numbers of employees.

The VGEA also continues to assert that eligible employees of all generations want truly hybrid work environments. In a recent Forbes article from June 2022, What Different Generations Think About Hybrid Work, the results of the study by the world’s biggest provider of flexible workspaces led to this conclusion:

“Hybrid working is universally popular among all generations who have been quick to embrace the many benefits the model offers. By splitting their time between home, a local workspace and their company headquarters, employees are benefiting from a significantly improved work-life balance with substantially less time and money spent on commuting.”

To keep Virginia employment attractive, we must advocate for excellent telework options.

The VGEA will continue to voice telework concerns on behalf of our state employees, and we’ll work with the Administration to develop solutions that lead to better telework outcomes, lower rates of employee dissatisfaction, and increased morale. Join with us as we advocate for state employees and retirees. Become a member, and help our voice grow stronger.

On behalf of the entire VGEA team, thank you to every employee who participated in the survey. As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, ideas, or concerns, reach out to us at info@vgea.org.