Workforce

OMB leader defends administration’s approach to telework

House Republicans continued to demand better data from the Biden administration regarding the prevalence and effectiveness of telework at federal agencies.

Workforce

State, Defense departments announce deal to expand military spouse access to remote work jobs

The move to allow federal employees to telework while overseas with their service member spouses is part of a larger effort to boost recruitment of military spouses.

Oversight

When -- and how often -- are SBA staffers going into the office? A senator wants the agency's IG to find out

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, continued her criticism of federal agencies’ use of telework, calling for the Small Business Administration’s inspector general to investigate its office utilization rates after its administrator disputed the GAO’s findings. 

Workforce

Senators take another crack at improving federal telework data

The latest bipartisan bill aimed at better measuring the workplace flexibility’s effectiveness would require agencies to publish their telework policies, as well as implement already planned improvements to data collection on its usage.

Workforce

Expanding flexible work options in the federal government is no longer optional

COMMENTARY | To retain and attract top talent, government and public-sector employers must take the lead in adopting and adapting to flexible work arrangements.

Workforce

Efforts to right-size agency real estate portfolios are often stymied

COMMENTARY | “There is a path forward and relevant, recent examples exist,” writes one former federal real estate official who urges the Biden administration to embrace the hybrid work model.

Workforce

O’Malley reduces telework for Social Security HQ, regional office staff

The new commissioner outlined a plan to create “core collaboration days” for members of management, while most frontline workers are seemingly spared from the cuts.

Workforce

Interior officials defend department’s approach to telework

After Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., accused the Interior Department of “abusing” telework, department leaders revealed that more than half of their workforce works in person every day, and those who do telework have experienced increased productivity, retention and employee engagement.

Workforce

OPM’s latest telework report highlights productivity gains

The annual telework report covers fiscal 2022, though officials promised that recent policy changes will improve data collection and analysis moving forward.

Workforce

Debate over federal telework fumes in House subcommittee

Agency HR officials defended their approach to workplace flexibilities and highlighted budgetary issues as bigger drivers of poor customer service.

Workforce

OPM issues guidelines on military spouse executive order

Telework, leave policies and “compassionate transfers” between agencies should all be utilized to recruit and retain spouses of members of the military and reserve services, officials said.

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.