The memo further orders OPM to issue implementing guidance within 90 days of January 15, and within 60 days after that, agencies must update their leave policies “to ensure that employees experiencing the birth or adoption of a child, foster care placement in their home, or who have other circumstances eligible for sick or annual leave are aware of the full range of benefits to which they are entitled.”
“These changes shall also ensure that discretionary flexibilities are used to the maximum extent practicable, in accordance with the laws and regulations governing these programs and consistent with mission needs, and that employees understand the benefits for which they may qualify,” the memo says.
Specifically, agencies are to review their policies regarding use of accrued sick leave, Family and Medical Act Leave, accrued annual leave, leave without pay beyond what is allowed in the FMLA, and break times and private space for nursing mothers.
In addition to advanced sick or annual leave, agencies are to provide “to the maximum extent practicable” donated annual leave, emergency backup dependent care, telework, and flexible work schedules, including part-time schedules and job-sharing.
