OPM has issued guidance in response to an executive order on the content of agency-specific policies to address the effects of domestic violence in the workplace.
According to OPM, effects of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking spill over to the workplace in numerous ways, introducing significant costs and safety concerns.
Agencies have until mid-May to develop or modify an agency-specific policy for addressing the effects of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking on their workforces, consistent with the new guidance and submit it to OPM for review. Final agency-specific polices are to be issued by mid-November.
The guidance includes key definitions and basic steps for policy development. Policies should address disciplinary actions and legal considerations, training, awareness and employee assistance programs, building safety and security, and accountability.
OPM said it would host a series of webinars to assist with the development of the policies with topics covering the impact of domestic and sexual violence on the workplace, the role of employers when responding to domestic violence, sexual assault and/or stalking in the workplace, and the critical components of a workplace response.
