Dear ITAC:

I've been a teleworker for the past two years, working from home twice a week. My performance reviews have been outstanding during that time. Unfortunately, my boss now wants to discontinue the program and has ordered me back into the office full time. Can he do this? Do I have any recourse? Do you think I should go over his head and discuss it with his boss?

Here’s what ITAC member Michael Dziak, President, InteleWorks, Inc. advised:

Dear AK:
Remember that employers do not institute telework to benefit you, the employee. Rather, an investment is made in telework to benefit the organization. If in your manager's eyes, telework makes his job managing you more difficult, then it seems as if you'll have to establish his trust and start your pitch to telework all over again.

Can your new boss discontinue your telework privilege? Absolutely. Under the circumstances, your recourse is limited. And, I can't think of anything beneficial that would come from escalating your complaint outside the chain of command. In order for you to begin teleworking again, you'll have to start over as if telework is a brand new option.

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