• Telecommuting is a management option, but it is voluntary except for employees who are emergency mission critical and must be able to work remotely in case of a disaster or other emergency.
  
  
• The telecommuting policy has been negotiated with the union.
  
  
• Terms and conditions of the employee's appointment do not change.
  
  
• The telecommuting arrangement may be canceled at any time by the supervisor or by the employee, except for emergency mission critical employees.
  
  
• Telecommuting must not have a negative impact on the performance of the telecommuting employee or any of the employee's coworkers.
  
  
• Duty time must be used for official business only.
  
  
• All time must be certified by the employee's supervisor.
  
  
• Teleworkers will use government furnished equipment, including computers.
  
  
• The alternate work place must be safe, free from interruptions, and secure for the protection of government property.

 See: Residential Telework (Appendix A, page A-1) and OPM's Safety Checklist.

• The government is liable for any work related injuries or damages at the alternate work site. Workers are covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act at the telework site while performing official duties in the designated work area.

 See: Basic Parameters for Telecommuting in Federal Agencies by OPM

• Teleworkers must complete telework training. Search for "Telework 101" courses in AgLearn.
• Teleworkers must have a signed Telework Agreement (website available only to FS employees).