Telework remains at historically high levels in the government. Image: Ira Lichi/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has told agencies that it will issue in January a data call for its annual report on telework usage, adding that the latest version will include “a supplemental questionnaire to understand agency strategy toward performance management for employees who participate in telework and remote work.”
“Telework is an important flexibility that can be used to meet a variety of agency human capital and budgetary objectives. OPM is committed to supporting the expansion of telework and assisting agencies to meet their goals,” said a memo on chcoc.gov.
While well below the peak of mid to late 2020 in terms of numbers of employees who work offsite and the share of those who do so full-time or nearly so, telework remains at historically high levels in the government.
In this year’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, 36 percent said they are present at their worksite all of the time, up from 29 percent in 2021 and 17 percent in 2020, while 18 percent said they had not been present onsite this year, down from 22 and 30 percent. The percentage who said they are onsite less than a quarter of the time fell over the three years from 24 to 20 and now 15.
Many Republicans, and some Democrats, on Capitol Hill contend that the continued higher level of telework in federal agencies is hampering customer service, especially at agencies such as the SSA, VA and IRS. That issue likely will draw more attention in the 2023-2024 Congress with Republicans in charge of the House.
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