Further, the memo said that operating status decisions “are only effective if each employee understands what the announcement means and how to react.”
“Every OPM announcement should be accompanied by specific agency procedures in continuity of operations plans, written telework agreements, and/or collective bargaining agreements, as consistent with law. These agency procedures will allow employees to know what is expected of them when OPM changes the operating status,” it said.
Agency management must communicate to employees which flexibilities are available to them during specific agency operating procedures, such as unscheduled telework, unscheduled leave, leave without pay, alternative work scheduling or days off, OPM added.
“In an emergency situation, timing is crucial. Employees must be able to act under their own agency’s procedures when unscheduled telework or unscheduled leave are options, or when provisions in agency telework agreements requiring employees to telework when the federal government is closed have been triggered,” it said.
