MRPBS Publications - Human Resources Desk Guide

Subchapter 4368
Telework Program
Introduction

• Purpose of this Subchapter
• Eligibility 
• Description of Program 

Return to 4368 Table of Contents
 

Purpose of this Subchapter

This Subchapter establishes Telework program operating guidelines for managers, supervisors, and employees of USDA'S Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP). MRP includes the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). This Subchapter supplements the Telework policies stated in MRP Directive 4368.1.

Eligibility

MRP employees on permanent appointments or appointments of more than 1 year (full or part-time) which may consist of other than standard tours, e.g., intermittent or mixed tours, are eligible to participate in the Telework program. 

To participate, employees must have:

• Approval of their immediate supervisor, 

• Received a performance rating of at least Fully Successful or equivalent for the most recent rating period, 

• Portable work assignments that are project oriented or easily quantifiable, and 

• The technology and access to work materials to perform their duties remotely. 

In addition, employee participation may not adversely affect customers or the workload of other employees. 

Description of Program

The Telework program allows agencies to meet the needs of a changing workforce by providing employees with increased workplace flexibilities. These flexibilities may address many needs which include:

• Reducing absenteeism, 

• Alleviating traffic congestion, 

• Enhancing recruitment and retention, 

• Balancing work and family life issues, 

• Pursuing advanced educational courses, and 

• Accommodating a medical condition.

The terms "Telework," "work at home" and "telecommuting" are often used interchangeably. For the purposes of this Subchapter, these terms refer to paid employment at a site other than the traditional office setting. 

Participants in the Telework program generally alternate days up to 3 days per week. Program participants and their supervisors will agree upon a Telework schedule for reporting to work at the official duty station and their private residence and/or agency designated satellite office in their local area. (The official duty station is the conventional Federal office for purposes of travel, relocation, and special salary rates.) 

Field employees whose private residence is their duty station ARE NOT participants in the Telework program. These employees are duty stationed in the field, travel to various locations to perform their duties, and work out of their homes to prepare reports, correspondence, receive messages, etc.