Telework provides more flexible work arrangements

by Airman 1st Class Victoria H. Taylor
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/28/2014 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  -- Telework Awareness Week begins March 3-7, at Langley Air Force Base to promote and encourage workforce efficiency, emergency preparedness and quality of life to civilian employees.

The Air Force Telework Program, implemented by the Department of Defense in 2010, applies to civilian employees, including those subject to applicable collective bargaining agreements.

"Telework allows workplace flexibility," said Trish Whitaker, 633rd Force Support Squadron Civilian Personnel chief. "It also enables the Air Force to maintain continuity of operations and reduce management costs while also improving employees' ability to balance their work and life commitments."

Telework-eligible civilians employees who choose to work from home must have their supervisor's approval, sign the telework agreement DD Form 2946 and the supervisor and employee need to complete the Office of Personnel Management Telework 101 training.

However, employees who hold positions that require direct handling of secure materials, on-site activity that cannot be handled remotely or at an alternative workplace or require face-to-face visits such as patient care, counseling or teaching roles, to name a few, are not eligible for the telework program.

Telework falls into four categories and was designed to enhance work performance for supervisors and employees.

Routine telework-common
A common form of Telework that occurs as a part of an ongoing, regular schedule.

Situational telework-common
A common form occurring on an occasional non-routine or ad hoc basis to complete short-term special assignments or to accommodate special circumstances.

Emergency situations telework
Telework performed a residence or alternative work site during a crisis situation or an emergency by employees who perform duties in support of mission requirements during crisis situations or contingencies.

Unscheduled telework
A specific form of situational telework where an employee on an approved telework agreement performs assigned official duties at home, or other approved worksite, when government offices are closed or other circumstances disrupt commuting and comprise safety.

"The command encourages telework to all eligible employees," said Whitaker. "The program has been known to boost morale and enhance the lives of those who take advantage of its flexibilities."

For more information on telework, contact your local Civilian Personnel Workforce Effectiveness Branch. All employees who are authorized to telework must complete DD Form 2946, DOD Telework Agreement, located at www.cpms.osd.mil/telework. To take the required training, visit www.telework.gov.