The federal government is laser-focused on mobility. In fact, federal CIO, Steven VanRoekel, recently announced a comprehensive digital government strategy that details ways in which the government and its agencies can embrace mobility.
It’s not surprising that the government would be so interested in mobility. A more flexible, mobile federal government can help to overcome some of the largest challenges that agencies are facing today.
Mobile government workforces help to improve continuity of operations (COOP) since they operate regardless of location. Mobile workforces are less expensive, requiring less office space and resources since they effectively promote telework. Also, mobility increases a workforce’s effectiveness, enabling federal employees to work when and where they’re most productive and extend their work day.
Yet, despite all of the benefits that a mobile workforce can deliver, the federal government is failing to embrace mobility.
According to a recent study conducted by the Government Business Council and commissioned by Polycom, 64 percent of the 230 federal government participants responded that the government was failing to meet their mobility needs. Worse, 60 percent of the participants felt their agency didn’t understand their mobility needs.
The survey also provided a few reasons why the respondents felt the government was behind on mobility. These reasons included security risks, fear of providing access to unknown devices and tight IT budgets.
However, respondents also provided the reasons why they thought the government should overcome these issues and embrace mobility. These reasons included improved COOP, increased workplace morale and decreased expenditures.
Even with Steven VanRoekel steering the government towards mobility, 75 percent of respondents to the study thought that mobility was underutilized in the government. With mobility being the key to overcoming some of the largest challenges facing agencies, it’s time for the federal government to get more serious about getting mobile.
What is your agency doing to embrace mobility? Leave us a comment below.
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