Telework
Questions and answers
An agency that has a general bar on teleworking when there are young children or other
persons requiring care and supervision may choose to adjust its policies to allow, as a
special exception, telework in those circumstances in the case of an emergency, such as
the COVID-19 situation. Under such an exception policy, a teleworking employee would
be expected to account for work and non-work hours during his or her tour of duty and
take appropriate leave (paid or unpaid) to account for time spent away from normal workrelated duties (e.g., to care for small children).
Agencies should address in their telework policies potential situations that may prevent or impact an employee’s ability to effectively perform his or her duties at home. This includes policies regarding the conditions under which employees may telework, even if they have a young child or other person requiring the presence of a caregiver in the home. (For additional information please see OPM Guidance on Telework and Dependent Care). If an agency policy bars an employee from teleworking at his or her home when there is a child or elder care situation, then the home is not an approved location under OPM’s regulations. Since Federal offices remain OPEN, agencies may not authorize weather and safety leave to employees who cannot telework with children in the home. Employees should either report to their worksite or request annual leave or other paid time off if they are unable to report to the worksite.
Last Updated: 3/7/2020
Agencies should address in their telework policies potential situations that may prevent or impact an employee’s ability to effectively perform his or her duties at home. This includes policies regarding the conditions under which employees may telework, even if they have a young child or other person requiring the presence of a caregiver in the home. (For additional information please see OPM Guidance on Telework and Dependent Care). If an agency policy bars an employee from teleworking at his or her home when there is a child or elder care situation, then the home is not an approved location under OPM’s regulations. Since Federal offices remain OPEN, agencies may not authorize weather and safety leave to employees who cannot telework with children in the home. Employees should either report to their worksite or request annual leave or other paid time off if they are unable to report to the worksite.
Last Updated: 3/7/2020