The Department of Defense announced April 20 a new teleworking policy for the civilian workforce.
Changes made to the existing telework policy were prompted by the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 and will help DOD to achieve greater flexibility in managing its workforce through the use of telework.
The policy requires the heads of the DOD components to promote telework within their respective components, make every effort to overcome artificial barriers to program implementation, authorize telework for the maximum number of positions without compromising mission readiness, and integrate telework into continuity of operations activities.
“Telework is a powerful tool, one that helps DOD maximize the agility it needs to operate in all kinds of conditions, while promoting workforce efficiency, and quality of life,” said Paige Hinkle-Bowles, deputy assistant secretary of defense, civilian personnel policy.
The Defense Department finds telework to not only be an effective recruiting and retention tool and factor in quality of work- life, but also an integral readiness strategy when planning for continuity of operations during a crisis or emergency.
For more information about DOD’s Telework Program, visit www.cpms.osd.mil/telework/telework_index.aspx.
