The Department of Defense released its new telework policy yesterday, paving the way for increased telework opportunities for DoD employees.
The roughly 20-page telework policy is more general than specific, encouraging telework to the widest extent possible, so long as it doesn’t jeopardize mission readiness. It also pins the tail on various DoD elements for the execution and implementation of the telework program. It directs that the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness oversee the development and implementation of a telework policy, as well as outlining responsibilities for the Director of the Defense Human Resource Activity, DoD Chief Information Officer and other defense components.
Marketing materials promote both the productivity, recruiting and retention, and continuity of operations advantages of telework.
Requirements for supervisors and employees are given. The eligibility guidelines include consideration of the need to access classified information, noting that even in situations where employees are required to access classified information on a daily basis, there may be elements of work – including reading and analyzing reporters – which could be accomplished via telework. The policy noted the need for safe storage protocols for any classified information, and put the onus on the DoD component to ensure “approved alternate secure locations” meet security protocols.
