The Department of Defense (DoD) is making a change in how it addresses remote work and telework by adding new preconditions – some focusing on data classification levels – outlined in an updated telework policy that marks the Pentagon’s first formal update to the policy since 2012.
The updated policy – originally released on Jan. 8 – instructs DoD components to identify telework and remote work eligible civilian positions and ensure employees and service members are aware of their eligibility.
The policy is flexible, allowing DoD component leaders to develop, implement, and operate telework and remote work programs in accordance with other DoD policies.
But the policy also gives components a baseline to judge whether telework or remote work is appropriate.
“Employees and service members are eligible to participate in telework when their duties do not require more than occasional handling of classified information,” the policy states.
If their duties involve working with information at the “collateral” secret level, they will be issued a classified telework device. However, if their work involves working with information at the top secret or “special access” program levels, they will not be eligible for telework or remote work.
The policy also instructs DoD components to “actively promote” telework and remote work, and to eliminate barriers to program execution through education and training.
“Employees are responsible for requesting remote work arrangements and their positions must be remote work eligible at the time of recruitment,” the policy reads.
Alternatively, positions previously designated as ineligible for remote work would require reevaluation to be eligible.
In addition, the policy instructs the components to use remote work and telework to recruit employees with specialized skills and retain employees with hard-to-replace skills, a long-time struggle at the Pentagon.
The Pentagon makes clear in the new policy that “telework is a flexibility not an entitlement.” DoD officials who request remote work arrangement will not be approved unless they meet all the eligibility requirements.
