Management
Return-to-office policies may bring potential federal workforce challenges
Deltek posited in its contracting outlook for fiscal 2024 a potential talent crunch tied to the Biden administration’s return-to-office policies.
Workforce
Impasses panel preserves telework levels for FEC bargaining unit workers
FEC officials had argued that employees need more “water cooler discussions,” despite the agency’s own assessment of a pilot program finding that increased telework improved agency operations.
Workforce
Senate bill would codify remote work, increase telework reporting
The Telework Reform Act also would authorize noncompetitive hiring of military and law enforcement spouses into remote work positions.
Management
OPM reminds agencies of new telework reporting requirements
As agencies prep to increase in-person work this fall, the federal government’s HR agency is calling on officials to collect better data on telework and remote work usage in their workplaces.
Workforce
OPM extends flexible hiring of military spouses
Interim regulations will allow federal agencies to hire the spouses of military service members outside of the traditional competitive hiring process through 2028.
Management
Some federal agencies utilize 25% or less of their headquarters office space, GAO says
As federal employees continued use of telework remains contentious, the watchdog highlighted in a new report that age-old office space problems have become more pronounced.
Management
What does post-pandemic telework look like during a shutdown?
As agencies begin planning for funding to stop on Sept. 30, federal telework guidance will be tested in a post-COVID environment.
Workforce
New NTEU president scolds GOP over telework, anti-worker rhetoric
The recently elected union leader said labor groups need to do more to educate the public on how federal workers benefit their lives.
Workforce
Telework approach defended by agency leaders amid Republican pressure
Federal HR officials said, contrary to GOP lawmakers’ concerns, agencies monitor employees’ productivity while working remotely and ensure workers are not paid the improper amount in locality pay.
Workforce
If Sen. Ernst thinks veterans are fraudsters, she couldn't be more wrong
COMMENTARY | Criticism regarding potential inefficiencies or shortcomings in teleworking policies should be directed at the policy or system, not the workers who operate within the guidelines provided, writes one veteran.
Workforce
'It is fraud, folks. It’s fraud': The latest in a string of Republican accusations against federal teleworkers
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has requested investigations at every major federal department and agency into how telework and remote work have impacted service delivery, and whether federal workers are improperly receiving locality pay.
Workforce
OPM deputy defends administration's telework approach, touts ‘consensus-building’ in workforce policymaking
Rob Shriver argues the White House's calls to increase in-person work are consistent with the HR agency’s prior policies.
Oversight
From shutdown prospects to anti-telework bills: 5 things to watch when Congress returns
Pending legislation could affect federal employees' work-life balance, civil service protections, TSP investment options and more.
Pay & Benefits
Expanded telework, a benefit now under threat, effectively boosts pay for hundreds of thousands of feds
Working from home pinches far more than pennies.
Workforce
Pence ‘Day 1’ plan includes a telework rollback, spending freeze and ban on gender affirming care
The former vice president and Republican presidential candidate on Tuesday unveiled a laundry list of executive actions he would take immediately upon assuming office to reverse the Biden administration’s policies.
Pay & Benefits
OPM clarifies pay rules for teleworkers who must travel during work
Guidance aimed at stipulating when employees must be paid for their travel to traditional work sites comes ahead of an expected push by agencies to increase the amount of “meaningful in-person work” this fall.
Workforce
White House calls on agencies to 'aggressively' reduce telework this fall
Chief of Staff Jeff Zients instructed agencies to focus on executing plans to increase in-person work in September and October.
Management
Post-pandemic, most agency headquarters are only one-quarter full
Agency officials say they are worried telework policies will change and therefore they must retain their underutilized buildings.
Pay & Benefits
OPM reminds agencies of workplace flexibilities following disasters
A memo highlighting telework, paid leave and other benefits available to feds impacted by disasters corresponds with the beginning of hurricane season and a recent typhoon in the Pacific Ocean.
Management