Many associations are taking heed of the warnings of massive traffic jams and packed transit systems this week, and will allow staffers to telecommute during Pope Francis' trip to the United States.

Streets will be closed in all three cities on the pope's schedule: Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. Street closures begin late Tuesday in Washington as Pope Francis arrives from Cuba, but the real traffic woes are expected Wednesday and Thursday. The federal government will remain open, but the Office of Personnel Management has encouraged agencies to allow employees to telecommute or take paid or unpaid leave time.

Among the D.C.-based associations that say staffers will also be allowed to telework Wednesday and Thursday: AdvaMed, America's Essential Hospitals and AARP. Staff at ASAE have been advised to work with their individual supervisors to determine if teleworking is appropriate on those days.

Airlines for America staffers will can stay home—and telework if possible—on Wednesday, the day Pope Francis visits the nearby White House and parades in the popemobile around the Ellipse. On Thursday, A4A employees may take a vacation or personal day rather than come to the office.

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