Question
What equipment is an agency required to provide an employee who is authorized to telework?
Answer
Generally, decisions regarding what equipment will be provided for teleworkers are made by the agency and individual manager consistent with the agency’s telework policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements. We encourage managers to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and also their agency’s policy on equipment. Within those constraints, the challenge is often finding the right balance between budget, security and effectiveness. Factors to consider include technology needs based on the work of the employee, agency security requirements, and budget constraints.
The General Services Administration (GSA) provides guidelines for implementing and operating telework and other alternative workplace programs through the efficient and effective use of information technology and telecommunication. Additionally, GSA provides basic recommendations for the equipment and support that an agency may provide teleworkers.
You can find more information in the
GSA Guidelines for Alternative Workplace Arrangements. For more information about your agency equipment policy for telework, please consult your agency telework policy or
telework coordinator.