📚 Mock Exercise 17

In 2010, the Public Administration Reform Office (PARO), headquartered at 44 Governance Street, Oslo, Norway, began assessing teleworking as a method to improve efficiency and employee wellbeing. At that time, fewer than 9% of public-sector employees worked remotely on a regular basis. Early assessments between 2011 and 2013 focused on digital security, performance monitoring, and workspace costs. Pilot departments reported a 14% reduction in office space usage and improved staff satisfaction, suggesting that remote work could offer both economic and organisational benefits.

Formal implementation began in 2014, when teleworking policies were introduced across 23 government ministries. Secure virtual private networks and encrypted communication platforms were deployed to support remote access. By 2016, approximately 38,000 employees were working from home at least one day per week. Infrastructure investment totalled NOK 620 million, funded through the national reform budget approved in October 2013. Surveys indicated that average commuting time fell by 42 minutes per employee each week.

Despite positive feedback, challenges emerged. A 2015 internal audit revealed that 27% of managers struggled to evaluate employee performance remotely. Concerns were also raised about data protection and uneven access to high-speed internet, particularly in northern regions. Some employees reported feelings of isolation. To address these issues, PARO introduced revised management guidelines in 2016 and funded regional broadband upgrades in Troms and Bod.

Government commitment increased after 2018, when the Ministry of Labour allocated NOK 1.1 billion to expand teleworking infrastructure nationwide. By 2020, 64% of public-sector institutions had adopted formal remote work policies. National employment statistics showed that sick leave declined by 6% between 2018 and 2021, partly attributed to increased work flexibility.

Economic and environmental impacts were also recorded. A 2021 analysis conducted by the University of Bergen estimated annual savings of NOK 740 million due to reduced office maintenance and travel costs. Carbon emissions from employee commuting fell by 11% between 2017 and 2021. Employee surveys also reported improved worklife balance, particularly among parents and carers.

Future strategies focus on hybrid work models and digital innovation. PARO plans to implement AI-assisted workload management tools by 2031 to support distributed teams. As of January 2024, 57% of public-sector employees regularly used teleworking arrangements. Pilot projects scheduled for 2026 will test four-day hybrid schedules across selected ministries, aiming to further improve productivity and wellbeing.