Federal Telework Reform: New Rules and Opportunities for Employees
This act introduces new rules for telework and remote work for federal employees. It defines terms, sets conditions for agreements, outlines performance evaluation rules, and provides employment opportunities for veterans and spouses of law enforcement officers. The goal is to standardize regulations and increase work flexibility while ensuring data security and agency efficiency.
Key points
New Definitions: The act clearly distinguishes between 'telework' (partial) and 'remote work' (full-time from an approved alternative location).
Telework Agreements: Telework agreements will be for a period not longer than one year and subject to annual review based on agency needs and employee performance.
Restrictions and Consequences: Telework may be restricted if an employee has been disciplined for absence, their performance falls below acceptable levels, or they violate policy terms.
No Travel Reimbursement: Remote employees living within a 75-mile radius of their agency-designated worksite generally will not be reimbursed for travel to that site unless required during the workday and approved.
Training and Monitoring: Agencies must provide training for employees and managers on telework and establish systems to confirm duties are performed at approved worksites.
Hiring Veterans and Spouses: The act allows for non-competitive appointment of qualified veterans and spouses of Armed Forces members and law enforcement officers to remote work positions.
Reports and Evaluations: Federal agencies will be required to regularly report on the effectiveness of remote work, cost savings, productivity, and its impact on collaboration and new hires.
Introduced
Citizen Poll