DPA Telework Policy

Procedures and Considerations

In many of DPA's job assignments, access to the computer network is essential for obtaining work-related information, processing work and communicating. The effectiveness of performing work at a remote location, such as a home office, may be greatly diminished if an employee does not have access to the computer network. However, under specific situations of a temporary duration, such as providing reasonable accommodation for permanently disabled and displaced employees, management may allow an employee to telework periodically when they do not have access to a computer or the computer system.

Participation in the DPA telework program should be based on the ability of the employee to perform tasks that can be completed from remote locations, such as a home office and the manager's assessment of the employee's ability to complete those tasks satisfactorily. Consideration, on a case-by-case basis, should be given to the following:

1) Job Knowledge

Does the employee have the necessary knowledge to perform the required job tasks at home or does the employee need close supervision or input from others that is only available at the office?

2) Employee Characteristics

Does the employee have a history of reliability and responsibility in reporting to work on time and completing work assignments? Is the employee motivated and self-directed? Does the employee demonstrate an ability to establish priorities and effectively manage his/her time?

3) Task Scheduling

Does the individual already work alone handling information tasks such as thinking, planning, coordinating, writing, reading, analysis, teleconferencing, computer programming, word processing or data entry? Can tasks, which can be completed away from the office, be grouped and scheduled for telework days? Can staff meetings and conferences be grouped and scheduled for non-telework days or accommodated through other means (e.g., teleconferencing)?

4) Public/Department Contacts

What portion of the job is devoted to face-to-face contact with other agencies, the public or internal staff? Can this contact be structured to allow for communication via phone or computer, or grouped into non-telework days, or can alternatives be established to provide this contact on telework days?

5) Reference Materials

What portion of the job requires the use of reference materials or resources located in the designated work site? Can these resources be easily taken home for a day or two without interfering with co-workers' job performance? Are these resources available through other means such as a computer accessible library service?

6) Use of Computers

Will response time on computer equipment used at home be fast enough to allow for required productivity? If network access is needed, does the correct "dial-up" capability exist? If long-distance "dial-up" is necessary, is the cost prohibitive? If connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) at the work place is required, are the necessary hardware components in place? Has the employee completed training for and demonstrated an adequate level of skill in use of the computer and software that will be used for teleworking?

7) Special Considerations

Changes in work schedules or temporary telework assignments may be made at a division chief's discretion to meet management needs or to accommodate an employee's request (e.g., convalescence, parental leave, etc.)

8) Special Equipment

What portion of the job relies upon access to photocopiers, fax capabilities or other specialized equipment? Can access be managed to allow teleworkers needs to be met on non-telework days or can these needs be satisfied at a facility near the employee's telework office?

9) Information Security

What portion of the job uses secured or otherwise confidential information and can the integrity of that information be secured in accordance with information security policies if it is taken or accessed from off site?

10) Travel

Does the job involve field work? Can trips begin or end at the employee's off site office rather than at the main office?

Updated July 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM.