Press Releases - Department of Transportation
MCDOT Holds Free Teleworking Webinars; Now Available to Watch On Demand
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, many employers had to quickly implement telework programs – with little or no preparation. To assist them and their employees, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Commuter Services hosted two webinars – one on April 7 for employers, and one on April 14 for employees. Telework experts offered advice on the types of technology solutions, organizational structure and communications strategies that can boost productivity and success.
Fifty employers attended the first webinar, which covered the following topics:
- Best practices for quickly starting and ramping up a telework program;
- Tips for successfully implementing management controls and productivity;
- Adaptations to the current situation that can work for both employers and employees; and
- Low-cost technology solutions that can make a big difference in facilitating working from home.
Sixty employees tuned into the second webinar to learn more about:
- Adaptations to the current situation that can work for both employers and employees;
- How to set up a workspace and manage one’s time;
- Tips for setting productivity goals and reporting results;
- Ideas for staying connected with colleagues and communicating effectively;
- Low-cost technology solutions that can make a big difference in facilitating working from home; and
- Ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Participants in both webinars had the opportunity to ask questions.
Both webinars were recorded and are available to watch on demand at:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-DIR/commuter/telework/index.html
Presenters were:
Elham Shirazi, principal, e-planning, who has 33 years of experience developing telework and flexible scheduling programs, creating resource materials, conducting training workshops, and evaluating the impacts of telework and flexible scheduling on employers, employees, and trip reduction. She has worked with hundreds of employers and has also helped develop regional telework resources and assistance programs across the country.
Drew Kaliszewski, vice president, Partner Consulting, who has more than 25 years of experience in telecom and IT telephony, implementation and complex project management. He has acted as adviser for the State of Connecticut’s telework programs, has authored a number of articles on telework, and has conducted telework assessments for a broad range of private sector companies.
Bernie O'Donnell, whose expertise includes tactical and strategic perspectives through his IT/telecom work experience with Partner Consulting, the US Air Force, state government and private sector businesses. He has served in positions employing hands-on technical skills, as well as performing technology assessments, managerial roles, project management, strategy guidance, procurement functions and systems/network implementation and optimization.
The moderator was Sandra L. Brecher, chief, Commuter Services Section, Office of Transportation Policy, MCDOT.
Learn more about telecommuting on MCDOT’s website.
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389
