Telework is an alternative work arrangement that permits eligible employees to perform officially assigned duties at an alternative worksite. An alternative worksite is a place away from the traditional worksite (the traditional worksite being where the employee would work absent a telework arrangement) that has been approved for the performance of officially assigned duties. It may be the employee's home, a telecenter or other pre-approved worksite.
There are two types of telework arrangements:
Ad hoc/situational telework is approved telework performed at an alternative worksite on an occasional or irregular basis. Telework of less than one day per pay period is considered ad hoc.
Regular and recurring telework is an approved work schedule where employees eligible to telework will work at least one day per biweekly pay period at an alternative worksite. It may also include "full time" telework (such as performing all official duties at an alternative worksite), including telework from a geographic location outside of the commuting area.
Work suitable for telework depends on job content rather than job title, type of appointment, or work schedule. Some positions e.g., entry level, trainee, and probationary status employees are not suitable for long-term telework arrangements. Other positions ineligible for telework may include employees who handle secure materials, or special equipment. Positions that require daily access to information, or require the employee to have daily face-to-face contact with the supervisor, colleagues, clients, or the general public are generally not eligible for telework.
Employees and managers/supervisors are required to complete telework training.