DPA Telework Policy

Responsibilities and Approvals

Managers/supervisors are responsible to ensure that their Divisions and working units have coverage during the core DPA hours of: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including the lunch period. Consideration should be given to the employees' workload and the type of work performed. These issues must be considered prior to approving any request for a telework schedule.

Employees must submit a completed Telework Agreement (form DPA 895) and Telework Assignment Log (form DPA 900) to their supervisors.

Prior to approving the Telework Agreement (DPA 895), managers/supervisors must consider the impact the proposed work schedule will have on fellow employees, employee morale, as well as the functional needs of the division as a whole. The Division chiefs are responsible to ensure necessary adjustments are implemented and that the telework policy is administered in a manner that will positively impact their Division.

In addition, the employee's attendance record shall be reviewed. Careful consideration must be given before approving a telework schedule for any employee whose leave balances are consistently at or just below the required 40 hour minimum. Exceptions to this policy can be made at the discretion of the Division Chief; however, the reason for approval must be documented.

All telework schedules will be conditionally approved for a 3 to 6 month trial period. The trial period should allow sufficient time to determine what impact the scheduling change may have on meeting workload commitments, assessing impact on attendance, as well as allowing the employee and their supervisor to determine whether the new work schedule will meet the needs of the individual and the division.

Any adjustments to the employee's original request should be discussed with the employee in order to develop a work schedule that is agreeable to both the supervisor and the employee. Adjustments to the original agreement must be documented.

Participation in the telework program is voluntary and subject to the prior written approval by the employee, the employee's immediate supervisor and their division chief. Approval must be completed prior to the start of the employee's telework schedule by execution of a Telework Agreement, Telework Assignment Log, Supervisor's Checklist, and Safety Checklist. Once division approval has been given, the original copy of the Telework Agreement and subsequent adjustments must be kept by the employee's supervisor or manager with a copy placed in the employee's personnel file and a copy given to the employee.

Telework Assignment Log

A Telework Assignment Log (Form DPA 900) must be completed, reviewed and approved by manager/supervisor prior to any telework day(s). A Telework Assignment Log must be submitted for each day the employee is participating in the Telework program. Following the Telework day, the employee must submit the completed, updated form to include notes regarding the status of all assignments to their supervisor.

Updated July 21, 2008 at 9:55 AM.