Memo Acts as Reminder that Situational Telework Still Exists

The guidance mainly addresses situational telework in the context of weather emergencies. Image: Tad Denson/Shutterstock.com

By: FEDweek Staff

In a memo that acts as a reminder that situational telework still exists following the administration’s return-to-office order, OPM has suggested that agencies in the Washington, D.C. area might want to use that authority due to traffic congestion ahead of a parade and other events commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary this coming weekend.

In a memo on chcoc.gov, OPM said that it “is reminding agencies of their authority to approve situational/unscheduled telework and other workforce flexibilities for impacted employees at their sole discretion. Agencies may also approve employee requests to use their alternative work schedule day off, annual leave, or other authorized time off.”

The memo in turn links to guidance on the return-to-work order—which generally canceled regular ongoing offsite work arrangements—saying that management may authorize situational telework “where it meets a compelling agency need.”

Situational telework “should be intermittent and not authorized as a substitute for routine or recurring telework. Each agency should ensure that all situational telework requests are appropriately reviewed by managers; that judicious discretion is exercised in authorizing situational telework; and that all situational telework approvals are consistent with both President Trumpʼs memorandum and OPMʼs memorandum,” it says.

The guidance mainly addresses situational telework in the context of weather emergencies “or other safety-related event prevents an employee from safely traveling to or from an agency worksite or performing work at an agency worksite.”

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