Defense Defends Telework

The Defense Department announced a new telework policy for its civilians Friday.

The policy requires the heads of Pentagon components to promote telework by removing "artificial barriers" to the program. It requires the department to authorize the practice for the maximum number of positions without compromising mission readiness, according to a statement from the department.

"Telework is a powerful tool, one that helps DoD maximize the agility it needs to operate in all kinds of conditions, while promoting workforce efficiency and quality of life," Paige Hinkle-Bowles, deputy assistant secretary of defense for civilian personnel policy said.