House Democrats Hail Telework Rewards, But GAO Analysis Unclear on Benefits

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Three top House Democrats are lauding a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study of teleworking as “compelling evidence” of the productivity benefits of the practice that became more widespread during the coronavirus pandemic, even though the analysis is much more cautious on the issue.

The GAO researchers concluded that “telework generally had a positive impact on worker productivity and firm performance in certain sectors, but methodological issues complicate efforts to estimate its long-term impacts.”

“For example, a study of a Chinese call center found that telework increased productivity by 13 percent,” the study said. “Some studies also found that telework mitigated the negative impact of the pandemic on firm performance and the economy.”

But the researchers also cautioned that “estimating the long-term impacts of telework is difficult, however, because some economic effects may emerge only over time. For example, studies GAO reviewed identified potential cost savings from reduced office space needs and potential collaboration challenges that could impact worker productivity or firm performance in the longer run.”

That qualified conclusion didn’t prevent Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, from claiming that the report “found that telework works.” Mr. Raskin was one of the members of Congress who requested the GAO study.

“In a perilous national public health emergency, telework ensured continuity in all federal agency operations and enabled federal workers to provide essential services to the American people,” Mr. Raskin added in a joint statement with two Democratic colleagues. “[The study] also found that, in addition to mitigating some of the harms caused by the pandemic, telework in many cases actually increased worker productivity.”

House Education and the Workforce Committee ranking member Bobby Scott (D-Va.) acknowledged that the GAO report wasn’t an unqualified endorsement of teleworking, and he further noted that access to remote work “was not equal across our economy.”

“While additional findings from the GAO are forthcoming, this initial report shows that telework generally had a positive effect on worker productivity in certain settings,” Mr. Scott said. “However, the report also illustrates that, despite the vast public health risks for workers, access to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic was not equal across our economy.

By Mark Tapscott

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Unholy uproar: The politics of prayer 

What began as a silent tribute to Charlie Kirk in the House erupted into shouting, revealing deep divides over policy and expressions of grief and hope.

Wanted: Prayer For Tyler Robinson

What will last? The only thing about us that will truly, 100-percent-guaranteed, last is our soul. My soul, your soul, and that of Kirk’s murderer, Tyler Robinson.

A Strange Conservative Case to Revitalize Bleeding-Heart Liberalism

Bleeding-heart liberalism was born out of the belief that America had become cruel and needed to be rescued from its worst instincts by a heartfelt politics.

UNREAL: Former CIA Director Publicly Slobbers All Over Al-Qaeda Terrorist Now Running Syria

Al-Sharaa is no liberal reformer; he spent the summer brutally massacring Christians, Druze, and Shia minorities across Syria.

President Trump’s UN Message: Strength in an Age of Folly 

President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly this week that was equal parts indictment and invitation.

USDA Proposes Changing SNAP Stocking Rules to Provide Healthier Food Options to Americans

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is proposing changes aimed at strengthening stocking requirements for retailers participating in SNAP.

Mark Wahlberg Says Being Away From Family Is the ‘Biggest Sacrifice’ in Hollywood

In pursuing his Hollywood dream for big screen success, actor Mark Wahlberg has made many sacrifices, which often included being away from his family.

FCC Expands Curbs on Chinese ‘Bad Labs,’ Denies 4 More Applications

FCC denied recognition for a second group of China-controlled “bad labs” that certify electronics for U.S. use but are tied to a foreign adversary.

Trump Authorizes Troop Deployment to Portland, Vows ‘Full Force’ Response to Domestic Terrorists

Trump ordered troops to Portland, OR, in response to clashes outside federal immigration facilities, will use “full force” against “domestic terrorists.”

Trump Announces New Tariffs on Heavy Trucks, Drugs, Kitchen Cabinets, Other Products

President Trump will impose new tariffs next month on heavy trucks, branded drugs, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products.

Trump Signs Deal to Put TikTok Under US Ownership

President Trump approved the TikTok U.S. deal, signing an EO that will give China-based ByteDance 120 days to finalize terms with American investors.

Secret Service Investigating Alleged Sabotage of UN Escalator

Trump said Secret Service probing “sabotage” at U.N. headquarters, saying malfunctions with sound, escalator, and teleprompter interfered with his speech.

US Will Use Tariff Revenue to Help Farmers: Trump

President Donald Trump said on Sept. 25 that he would use tariff revenue to provide aid to American farmers until his import levies start to benefit them.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central