Q: How do I know an employee is working when I can’t see them?
A: Effective performance management is the same whether or not an employee teleworks. Managers should measure employee performance by results, not physical presence. See DoD Instruction 1035.01, Telework Policy for more information and guidelines for managing teleworkers’ performance. OPM’s Handbook for Measuring Employee Performance is another good resource for guidelines for effective performance management techniques.

Q: Do I have to manage a teleworker differently than my in-office staff?
A: Managers should not have to manage teleworkers’ performance any differently then
other employees. Performance standards for off-site employees should be the same as
performance standards for on-site employees. However, managing teleworkers may
require some changes in communication techniques, and managers may need to be
more mindful of the ways they assign and reward work to ensure they are equitable.

Q: Can teleworkers follow an alternative work schedule?
A: DoD policy does not prohibit teleworkers from following alternative work schedules.
However, Component policies may restrict the combination of telework and other flexibilities based on mission requirements. Check with your Component Telework Coordinator for Component-specific requirements.

Q: Can a teleworker's schedule be different on their telework days?
A: Since telework generally eliminates an employee’s commute time, it may make sense for the teleworker to begin their work day earlier then they would otherwise. However,
the amount of flexibility will be determined by Component policy and the mission
requirements of the organization.

Q: Can managers or supervisors telework?
A: Whether or not telework is feasible—and what kind of telework (how frequent, how
regular, etc.) is appropriate for managers and supervisors—is dependent on position
eligibility criteria and mission requirements. Consult with your Component Telework
Coordinator for Component-specific criteria for managers and supervisors.

Q: Is there telework training available for managers?
A: Yes. OPM provides Web-based manager training modules at telework.gov. Check
with your Component Telework Coordinator to find out about any telework training your
Component may offer, as well.

Q: If the manager denies an employee's telework request, can the employee
appeal that decision?
A: If an employee disputes the reason(s) given by the manager for not approving a
request for telework, the employee may submit a grievance using the Component
administrative or negotiated grievance procedure, as appropriate.

Q: Does an employee have a right to telework?
A: No. Employees do not have the right to telework. While managers are encouraged to
allow maximum flexibility for employees to telework, management decides whether an
employee can telework, depending on the nature of the employee’s position and the
characteristics of the employee and the workgroup. In addition, management has the
right to terminate an employee's telework arrangement if it is no longer viable for
business-based reasons—for example, if the employee's performance declines or if the
arrangement no longer meets mission requirements.