Security is the biggest concern when it comes to designing a telecommuting program. But a recent survey shows that many teleworkers aren’t even aware of their employers’ security policies.Allowing some telecommuting can be a big boost to employee morale, recruitment and retention. But one of the biggest obstacles is security: According to a report on telecommuting by CDW Government, Inc., that’s the most pressing issue for 42% of government IT departments and 27% of departments at private employers.

Most departments (88% in the private sector, 84% for governments) said they have effective security policies and procedures in place.

But that doesn’t mean the people doing the telework know about them. The survey found that 31% of private sector teleworkers weren’t familiar with their companies’ security policies.

The study doesn’t say why that is, but it’s most likely just a lack of training. When someone is approved for telecommuting, an IT staff member should run through the policies and procedures with him or her before the arrangement begins. After all, there’s no point in having policies if employees don’t know them.

You can access the CDW report here.

Tags: data security, mobile workers, telecommuters