- The NIH considers Telework to be the term for when an employee works part time from a remote location and part time from the office. - This also implies that the employee’s permanent office/workspace is at the company facility. - ### Difference between Telework and Remote Work - [[Remote Work]]: employee permanently works from an alternative worksite - Telework: employee works from home on a regular or ad hoc basis but reports to the office at least once a week/two days a pay period - This distinction is important because an employee's official duty station impacts the locality pay. For details, refer to OPM's website on [location based pay.](https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/official-worksite-for-location-based-pay-purposes/) - [NIH Telework Information Homepage](https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/work-schedules/telework) - NIH appears to consider Telework a per-office protocol - [NIH sample policy on Telework](https://hr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/public/documents/working-nih/work-schedules/telework/docx/sampleteleworkpolicytemplate.docx) - [NIH Telework checklist for Supervisors](https://hr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/public/documents/working-nih/work-schedules/telework/docx/teleworkchecklistforsupervisors.docx) - OPM Even has a site https://www.telework.gov - [OPM Guide to Telework](https://www.telework.gov/guidance-legislation/telework-guidance/telework-guide/guide-to-telework-in-the-federal-government.pdf) - Generally speaking, there are two types of telework; 1) routine telework in which telework occurs as part of an ongoing, regular schedule and 2) situational telework that is approved on a case-by-case basis, where the hours worked were NOT part of a previously approved, ongoing and regular telework schedule. Examples of situational telework include telework as a result of inclement weather, doctor appointment, or special work assignments, and is sometimes also referred to as situational, episodic, intermittent, unscheduled, or ad-hoc telework. It is important to note that any employee who wishes to telework (regardless of which type) must first successfully complete an interactive telework training program provided by the agency and must enter into a written agreement with his/her supervisor. OPM recommends that supervisors and managers of teleworking employees complete telework training. - Understand and Assess the Needs of the Group - Telework is often implemented piecemeal, rather than strategically, as individuals request arrangements. This reactive approach carries the risk of raising fairness issues. To the extent possible, telework should be implemented strategically, taking into account the needs and work of the group. Agencies have made this easier by making broader determinations on employee eligibility and notifying employees. However, managers and supervisors may be making decisions with regard to situational telework and groups of newly-hired employees. -