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Frequently Asked Questions Telework

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Employee

  • What can I do if my manager won't let me telework? View more
    Agency telework policies establish the basic guidelines for telework eligibility and the application process. Within this framework, managers and supervisors generally have discretion to implement telework to fit the business needs of their organizations. You can work with your telework coordinator to fully understand the relevant policies and procedures. If you are eligible by the terms of the policy and have followed proper procedures, your telework coordinator can help you write a business-based proposal to submit to your manager.
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  • How do I apply to telework? View more
    Agencies have their own policies and procedures that determine how its employees may apply for a telework arrangement.   In general, employees should be prepared to make a business-based proposal for a proposal to telework, rather than base the request to telework on personal considerations. At the very least, in addition to describing logistics like location and frequency, you should be able to discuss how you will accomplish your work without adverse effect on your organization and/or co-workers. While an employee may request a telework arrangement in writing or verbally (depending on the agency’s policy), the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 requires that a written telework agreement between the supervisor and employee be in place before s/he can begin to telework.  This agreement outlines the specifics of the telework arrangement (e.g., location of telework, expectations).  Also, you will be required to successfully complete an interactive telework training program before you will be allowed to telework. Note that the head of the agency has discretion to exempt employees from this training requirement if they have already been participating in telework.
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  • Where do I submit my telework application? View more
    The application process for a telework arrangement is completely determined by agency policy.  Please contact your agency telework coordinator  or Telework Managing Officer to discuss this process.
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  • Can Federal contractors telework? View more
    Since the Federal telework program and policies cover only Federal employees, Federal contractors are not governed by OPM and GSA telework guidance or by individual agency policies, and are not counted in the annual Status of Telework in the Federal Government report to Congress. However, this does not prohibit – and should not prevent – contract employees from actually teleworking, as appropriate. Telework arrangements for contractors should be negotiated with both the contractor’s own employer and with the appropriate Federal agency official, so policies and procedures are in close alignment and all concerned parties are in agreement.  Telework language may even be integrated into the contract itself.
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  • If my job is in one state, can I telework from a different state? What happens to my duty station if I do this? Does my agency reimburse me for any travel back to my office? View more
    There are no Governmentwide restrictions on distance for teleworkers.  You should consult your own agency’s policy to determine whether your agency has its own restrictions. Teleworking from this distance may have an effect on duty station, if you are not physically present at your duty station at least two days in each biweekly pay period.  For more information, see Official Worksite, Travel, and Related Policies.
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  • Who is responsible for approving an employee's request to telework? View more
    Each Federal agency sets up its own approval process, but generally the immediate supervisor must formally agree to a specific employee's request. Prior to beginning telework, the employee and manager must successfully complete an interactive telework training program and enter into a written agreement.  Contact your telework coordinator or Telework Managing Officer for details about your own agency’s process.
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