Management
Senators Urge Trump Administration to Publish Agency Contingency Plans
Democratic lawmakers said that making agencies’ continuity of operations plans public could put the minds of both federal workers and members of the public at ease.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers Urge Mandatory Telework, and OPM Highlights Defense Policy Act Pay Provisions
A weekly roundup of pay and benefits news.
Pay & Benefits
Social Security Closes All Local Offices Amid Coronavirus Threat
Although officials said the agency is working to expand telework as much as possible, union leaders disputed that, describing “Kafkaesque” inaction.
Management
USDA Allows Voluntary Telework Following Positive Coronavirus Test at Headquarters
The Agriculture Department has closed a section of its main office in Washington for "deep cleaning."
Management
Mass Telework Causes Operational Strains for Agencies
Some agencies are telling employees to cut back as networks get overloaded.
Management
As White House Expands 'Maximum Telework' Across the Country, Many Employees Fear They Are Unprotected
VA health care workers want protections, administrative judges want closures and employee groups want answers.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: Telework Best Practices From a Manager
As the coronavirus pandemic forces more Americans to work from home, Katherine McIntire Peters talks with the podcast about how she manages a remote staff.
Workforce
White House Calls for 'Maximum Telework Flexibilities' for D.C.-Area Employees
It also gives agency heads more discretion to offer paid time off for those who cannot telework.
Management
Social Security Restores Telework to Previous Levels, But Continues to Resist Expansion to Combat Coronavirus
Union filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Thursday accusing the agency of forcing employees to work in an unsafe workplace.
Management
White House Recommends Telework for Certain Feds
The Office of Management and Budget "encouraged" agencies to sign up federal workers that are members of high-risk populations for telework, and to coordinate with state and local institutions.
Management
Some Agencies Reluctant to Embrace Telework and Take Other Precautions, Despite Growing Coronavirus Concerns
Although some agencies have stepped up to protect their workforces as the novel coronavirus outbreak widens, many federal employees report a resistance to remote work and a lack of basic sanitary measures.
Workforce
GovExec Daily: How the Coronavirus Scare is Changing How Feds Work
Nextgov's Heather Kuldell and GovExec's Eric Katz join the podcast to talk about agencies' plans for the workforce as the COVID-19 epidemic grows.
Management
As More Feds Contract Coronavirus, Agencies Scramble to Keep Employees Safe
Federal offices also looking to ensure a continuity of operations as outbreak spreads.
Management
SEC Institutes Telework-Only Thanks to Robust Remote Work Program
The Securities and Exchange Commission quickly implemented mandatory telework for D.C. workers to protect them from the potential spread of coronavirus, but unions say other agencies have been reluctant to support the practice.
Defense
OPM and Defense Dept. Issue Guidelines for Civilian Employees on Coronavirus
New memos spell out expanded telework flexibilities, leave policies, alternative work schedules and more.
Pay & Benefits
House Democrats Reintroduce Bill to Protect Telework at Federal Agencies Amid Coronavirus Fears
The measure would prohibit agencies from making across-the-board cuts to telework programs, and require annual goals for participation in such programs.
Management
OPM Issues Additional Coronavirus Guidance, Encouraging Telework, Reduced Travel
The federal government’s HR agency orders all agencies to include telework in contingency plans, and encourages them to reduce “non-essential” travel.
Management
Unions Report No Sign of Telework Flexibilities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Although both OPM and the CDC have strongly encouraged allowing employees to work remotely to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, several agencies have yet to respond to those recommendations.
Pay & Benefits
Social Security Announces More Telework Cuts
The move comes after Congress directed the agency to reinstate telework in other offices within SSA.
Management