Simplifying Remote Work Management for Greater Efficiency

The client is a federal executive-branch agency, and it used to approve telework on paper: an employee completed a form, scanned it, and emailed it to a supervisor, and in some cases the form was physically delivered to get a wet signature. i3solutions designed and implemented an automated telework request system that replaced that routing. An employee submits a request through one interface, the workflow routes it to the appropriate supervisor, and once the request is approved the system updates the Out of Office (OOO) status on the calendar so teams can see who is available in real time. The build pairs SharePoint as the central platform for requests, workflow automation, and request data with a .NET back end that handles request processing, workflow approvals, and integrations, plus Office 365 and Outlook for the calendar updates. The agency gets faster approvals without manual handling, real-time visibility into employee availability, and fewer administrative tasks for employees and supervisors.

The client is a federal executive-branch agency that helps keep the nation competitive in the global economy. The agency facilitates international agreements, resolves international disputes, and fosters economic growth by creating opportunities for American businesses and workers.

The agency faced significant inefficiencies in managing telework requests due to a cumbersome and outdated manual process.

Employees were required to complete a paper form, which then had to be scanned and emailed to a supervisor for approval. In some instances, forms were physically delivered to supervisors to obtain a wet signature. This reliance on paper-based methods not only slowed down the approval process but also created unnecessary administrative burdens and increased the risk of delays or lost requests. The agency needed a more efficient, streamlined system to modernize and simplify telework request management.

How did the agency approve telework requests before this system?

On paper. Employees completed a paper form that was scanned and emailed to a supervisor for approval, and in some instances the form was physically delivered to the supervisor to obtain a wet signature. That paper-based process slowed the approval process, created administrative burdens, and increased the risk of delays or lost requests.

Who does a submitted telework request go to for approval?

Employees submit a request through the SharePoint interface, and submission starts a workflow approval process that routes the request to the appropriate supervisor. Approvals are automated, so a request no longer waits on a form being scanned, emailed, or hand-carried.

Does an approved request update the calendar automatically?

Yes. The system integrates with calendars through Office 365 and Outlook and updates the Out of Office (OOO) status once a telework request is approved. Teams get real-time visibility into staff availability instead of tracking it separately.

What technologies does the telework request system use?

SharePoint is the central platform for managing telework requests, workflow automation, request data storage, and the interface used by employees and supervisors. .NET powers the back-end logic, including request processing, workflow approvals, and integrations with other tools. Office 365 and Outlook handle the automatic Out of Office calendar updates.

If requests for telework, leave, or similar approvals in your organization still move as a form that gets scanned, emailed, or walked to a supervisor, the cost sits in every individual request and rarely shows up in one report. A first conversation walks your current routing step by step, marks the steps a workflow can take over, and covers what an approval and calendar integration would touch in your environment. You leave with your current process written down, the automated version beside it, and the list of systems involved, which is what your committee will ask for when you take the request forward. Start the conversation