Telework, also called telecommuting, is an innovative tool for managing an organization more efficiently and increasing the productivity, morale, and retention of employees. Telework is a win-win for the employer and the employee!

Telework Policy and Contact Information

• Please refer to the Department Telework Plan (December 16, 2021) for the Department-wide telework policy. This policy applies to all employees of the Department except USPTO and those employees in bargaining unit covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CAB) or memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning the 2018 Department plan.
• Each bureau in Commerce has a telework point of contact that can give you more information about telework in your organization. If that organization has an approved telework implementation plan, a link to it is under the coordinator’s name.
• Each employee must have completed Telework Fundamentals for Employees - OPM via the Commerce Learning Center (CLC) or an interactive training program approved by the Department and an approved individual telework agreement in place before he/she is permitted to telework. The agreement must conform to the provisions of the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 and the Department’s revised policy, CBA, or MOU, as appropriate.

Telework and Federal Office Closure, Delayed Arrival, and Early Dismissal

The Office of Personnel Management has issued its “Washington, DC, Area Dismissal and Closure Procedures (December 2015)” (Dismissal Procedures). This publication contains guidance on the use of telework when OPM issues an announcement concerning Federal office closings, delayed arrival, and early dismissal due to emergency conditions in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Telework Forms

• Appendix A - Telework Assessment Tool
• Appendix B - Telework Request – Agreement
• Appendix C – Remote Work Agreement
• Appendix D – Safety Checklist (Telework and Remote Work) – Home Work Space
• Appendix E – Telework Agreement – Supervisor Checklist
• Appendix F – Remote Worker Agreement – Supervisor Checklist
• Appendix G – Optional Telework Termination Form

Recording Telework Hours

• Either you or your timekeeper is responsible for recording all of your telework time, including regular or episodic, in the time and attendance system, webTA, to reflect when you telework and where you telework (at your home-based office or an alternative worksite).

Preparation

• Self Assessment
• Preparing for the telework arrangement
• Telework is voluntary, can be terminated at any time, by the employee or the supervisor, and should not be used as a “one size fits all” approach.

Training

Mandatory Training Sessions on the basics of the Department’s Telework Program will help to ensure that you and your supervisor have an understanding of its requirements.

The Commerce Learning Center provides training and certification requirements for supervisors and employees.

Performance Management

• Ensure that the same performance standards, derived from a modern, effective, credible, and validated performance system, are used to evaluate both teleworkers and non-teleworkers;
• Establish guidelines to minimize adverse impact on non-teleworkers before employees begin to work at alternate work sites.

Benefits of Telework to our Mission

• Increase employee performance, efficiency, morale, and job satisfaction;
• Attract skilled workers with diversity from a wider geographic area; support EO 13548 and EO 13518;
• Retain and value employees;
• Attract talent, be regarded as “the best place to work” in the Federal government to compete in the 21^st Century;
• Lower absentee rates and attrition;
• Expand “your reach” to your customers by extending the work day;
• Reduce the cost of office space and green house emissions and support Executive Order 13514;
• Improve standards of living and work/life balance to employees.

Benefits of Telework for Employees

• Be more productive without the interruptions of an office setting;
• Work from an alternative location;
• Gain increased flexibility in managing your time and schedule;
• Reduce the cost of daily commutes;
• Stay productive in times of poor weather, mass transit delays, and natural disasters;
• Enjoy a more rewarding and balanced work life, family life, and personal life.

Resources

Guidance and Legislation

Telework Enhancement Act of 2010

Key Practices to Federal Telework

OPM Guide to Telework in the Federal Government

Work At Home/Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation

2016 Telework Report to Congress

Frequently Asked Questions