Federal Resources

Agency Guidance

Many Federal agencies have created materials that may be useful to other organizations, as they develop their telework programs.  If you are aware of a Federal resource that could be added to this list, you can contact OPM at: TeleworkPolicy@opm.gov.

Managing Telework

• Mobility Management Strategies: Commuter Programs (EPA): This page provides links to various Web-based resources that provide information on mobility management strategies.
• Resources for Managing Teleworkers (GSA): GSA provides guidance and resources to assist in managing teleworkers.
• Telework Reference Architecture (DHS, et al): This document is the product of an ongoing multi-agency collaboration to provide additional guidance for the successful implementation of telework infrastructures at Federal civilian agencies.

For more information on managing telework, visit the Telework Managers and Guidance sections.

Information Technology & Security

• Information Technology and Telecommunications Guidelines for Federal Telework and Other Alternative Workplace Arrangement Programs (GSA): This bulletin establishes guidelines for implementing and operating telework and other alternative workplace arrangement programs through the efficient and effective use of information technology and telecommunications. These policies are designed to assist agencies in the implementation and expansion of Federal alternative workplace arrangement programs.
• Guide to Enterprise Telework and Remote Access Security (NIST):  This guide is intended to help organizations understand and mitigate the risks associated with the technologies they use for telework. The guide emphasizes the importance of securing sensitive information stored on telework devices and transmitted across external networks, and it also provides recommendations for selecting, implementing, and maintaining the necessary security controls.
• User's Guide to Securing External Devices for Telework and Remote Access (NIST): NIST developed this guide to help teleworkers secure the external devices they use for telework. 

For more information on IT & Security, visit the Security & IT Guidance.

Records Management

• National Archives FAQs about Telework (NARA): These FAQs reiterate basic records management guidance from NARA to agencies and their employees that applies to Federal records in a telework environment.

Emergency Telework

• Federal Continuity Directive 1 (DHS): Requirements for incorporating telework into an agency’s continuity plans are found in Annex G of FCD 1.
• Washington, DC, Area Dismissal and Closure Procedures (OPM):  These procedures apply to situations that prevent significant numbers of Federal employees who work inside the Washington Capital Beltway from reporting to the office on time or remaining at the office for the full workday and for situations which require
  Federal offices to close, including emergencies, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, and other incidents causing disruptions of Government operations. For continuity of operations, it is important for certain Federal Government operations to continue to function, even when offices are closed.
• Department and Agencies Telework Player Handbook Template (FEMA) 

  This template is set up to provide an example of an exercise player handbook for use when conducting a telework exercise. 

For more information on Emergency Telework, visit the Emergency Telework Guidance.

Reasonable Accommodations

• Work at Home/Telework as Reasonable Accommodation (EEOC): This fact sheet explains the ways that employers may use existing telework programs or allow an individual to work at home as a reasonable accommodation.

• Policy Guidance on Executive Order 13164: Establishing Procedures to Facilitate the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation (EEOC): This guidance first sets forth some background information on the obligation to provide reasonable accommodation and the standards of the Rehabilitation Act.  It then addresses each of the requirement of Executive Order 13164.  This guidance is to be read in conjunction with relevant EEOC regulations, see 29 C.F.R. part 1630, and the EEOC's Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (DoD): This program supports agency reasonable accommodation processes by providing services and accommodations for employees with disabilities who work from home as a form of reasonable accommodation.
• Accommodations Resources for Federal Managers and Employees (DOL): A variety of resources are available to assist federal managers in making these accommodations so they can hire, retain and advance qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Job Accommodation Network (DOL): This is a free service that offers employers and individuals ideas about effective accommodations. 

For more information on Reasonable Accommodations, visit the Reasonable Accommodations Guidance.

Mail Management

Federal Management Regulation Part 102-192—Mail Management (GSA): This regulation requires agencies to have a security policy for employees receiving incoming mail and sending outgoing mail at an alternative worksite such as a Government-owned or leased alternative site, telework center, or employee residence.

 Other

• Computer Workstation Checklist (OSHA): This checklist can help teleworkers to create safe and comfortable computer workstations. 

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