Telework is a term that describes the use of telephones and computers to enable employees to work from a location other than the central office. Rural telework takes advantage of technology advancements and enables employers to offer jobs outside of urban areas. Employers benefit from an expanded labor pool to help supply hard-to-find talent and reduced operating costs resulting from lower wages, facilities costs and turnover. Rural communities with high unemployment benefit from a diversified economy and more quality jobs for their citizens.

WSU is an internationally recognized authority in the telework field and since 1989, has conducted research, developed resources and provided information and assisted to more than 1000 employers regarding telework implementation. In 1999, WSU began to explore the potential of telework as a workforce strategy for employers and an economic development strategy for rural communities. We developed this Web page to provide information to both rural community leaders and to employers interested in exploring rural telework. It includes examples of successful rural telework activities, information about the WSU Rural Telework Project, resources for rural communities, and links to related sites.