A Shutdown Or...A Flood?

Most federal workers are concerned with the immediate impact of a potential shutdown on their jobs and paychecks, but the Office of Personnel Management wants to remind everyone that the flooding season also is upon us.

In an April 7 memo to chief human capital officers, OPM Director John Berry instructed human resources personnel to make use of all workplace flexibilities available to assist federal employees affected by severe weather or emergency situations.

For example, OPM provides guidance on the pay and leave benefits available to federal workers in areas affected by emergencies, and benefits will remain consistent in those situations. Berry also said that agencies should use telework to maintain continuity of operations, noting that emergency preparedness planning should be discussed with such employees in advance.

Agencies also have a number of hiring authorities at their disposal, such as 30-day excepted appointments for critical needs, limited-term Senior Executive Service appointments, temporary competitive appointments of 120 days or less and the ability to hire private contractors to meet emergency staffing requirements.

So -- if you can weather the shutdown storm, so to speak, you'll be covered for whatever the season has to offer.