Telework Improvements Backed

By: fedweek

During voting just before its August recess, the House accepted an amendment to an energy bill (HR-3221) requiring agencies to allow their employees to telecommute “to the maximum extent possible without diminishing employee performance or agency operations.” It would exempt from eligibility those whose duties require the handling of national security or intelligence materials, or daily on-site physical presence for activity such as contact with equipment. Agencies would have to beef up telework training for managers and all teleworkers and periodically review whether telework is appropriate for a position and the extent to which it is being used. Agencies also would have to appoint a chief telework official and GAO would annually rate agencies on their policies. Many of the provisions mirror bills that have been pending since early this year aiming to beef up the program.