More Flexibilities in Work Ordered President Obama on Monday issued a memo telling agencies to boost to the maximum extent practicable their use of flexible workplace policies such as telework, alternative work schedules, and part-time work (including only on a temporary as-needed basis). The memo adds that employees have the right to request work scheduling flexibilities without fear of retaliation or adverse employment action as a consequence of making such a request. However, it stops short of giving employees the right to such arrangements—that still is a matter of management discretion, with bargaining obligations in some cases. But agencies must set policies under which supervisors meet with the requesting employee to understand the nature and need for the request, consider it carefully and respond within 20 business days. Management resistance is commonly cited as a major barrier to flexible working arrangements, in particular telework. Agencies further must: regularly remind employees of the work-life flexibilities available; train all employees and supervisors on them; and review their programs within four months to find and start removing any unneeded barriers to flexible working. It also directs OPM to issue guidance on best practices and other issues, and to create a new workplace flexibility index that will be published online and updated annually. In addition to the major flexible work scheduling practices, the memo also orders agencies to make the most practical use of practices including: break times and private space for nursing mothers; approval of advanced annual and sick leave for various personal needs; approval of sick leave for family care, bereavement, adoption; unpaid family and medical leave; leave transfer programs; and leave for purposes such as bone marrow or organ donation, among other flexible uses of leave. The memo further encourages, but does not require, agencies to make the greatest possible availability of on-site child care, child care subsidies, emergency child care, and elder care; employee assistance programs; support for nursing mothers; and worksite health and wellness programs.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:14:06 +0000
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