Supervisors and employees should know what the operating status announcements mean, and which flexibilities are available and what are the expectations for employees under each. Image: stoatphoto/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has issued a reminder on policies governing changes to work schedules due to weather-related and other emergency reasons that can include delayed arrival/early dismissal or full-day closure of facilities and dismissing employees from work with pay.
In a memo on chcoc.gov, OPM said that while it “is not updating the procedures this year, we would like to emphasize some key guidance that will assist in maintaining continuity of operations during severe weather and other emergency situations.”
“In an emergency situation, timing is crucial. Federal agencies and employees must be prepared to respond immediately to an emergency, whether it be a snowstorm, hurricane, or other type of emergency or hazard. It is imperative that agencies educate supervisors and employees on the proper protocols to follow when an emergency occurs. This includes the designation of emergency employees, and ensuring both agencies and employees understand their relevant roles and responsibilities,” it says.
Supervisors and employees should know what the operating status announcements mean, and which flexibilities are available and what are the expectations for employees under each, it says.
The guidance also covers considerations such as expectations for employees designated as emergency-essential, and employees on travel, under alternative work schedules, with dependents in the home, who had previously scheduled leave, and more.
OPM last updated the guidance in 2022, including by clarifying that employees previously scheduled to work offsite, under either telework or remote work arrangements, generally will be expected to work a normal shift even if the agency facility has a late arrival, early dismissal or closing.
OPM decides on the operating status for facilities in the national capital area, while heads of field offices make the decisions elsewhere, in conjunction with Federal Executive Boards where they exist.
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