The government interviewed 26 respondents from both the private and public sectors to identify impediments to more flexible work practices. The report, released this week, found 73 percent of businesses interviewed and 62 percent of workers have a high level of satisfaction with teleworking arrangements. But respondents recommended managers undergo improved training and support and promote teleworking benefits to mainstream industry.

The survey was done on behalf of the Australian Telework Advisory Committee (ATAC), which is a joint effort conducted by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) and the Department of Employee and Workplace Relations (DEWR),

"At the commencement of the review the committee expected impediments to the increased uptake of this flexible work practice would be ICT-related," the authors report.

"Rather, we found that the impediments are attitudinal, educational and management related and managers would benefit from enhanced training on the commercial, social and environmental benefits that can flow from work practices - such as teleworking - that are supportive of society's changing values and practices."

The report also indicated there is a clear case for government intervention to accelerate the teleworking trend.