In a recent Inside the Forest Service article, Deputy Chief Tony Dixon announced that by Friday, April 22, employees will receive notifications of their remote and telework eligibility determinations. This is in support of our formal transition to a hybrid workforce. Remote and telework eligibility determinations were made by Forest Service executive leaders based on assessment of the duties of each position. The position determination notifications are applicable only to employees on permanent appointments at this time. Employees on term and temporary appointments will be advised of their status separately.

What Supervisors Must Do By Friday, April 22

1. Review the training and user guide posted on the HRM Telework and Remote Work webpage at Training and Resources.
2. Visit ConnectHR and select the new telework & remote eligibility link located in the My Links menu. Complete the pre-populated telework and remote eligibility form for each of your employees. The pre-populated determinations were made by Forest Service executive leaders. You should only change a determination with approval from your supervisor and your executive leadership.
3. We recommend meeting with your employees to share the position determinations and to answer any questions.

What Employees Need To Do

1. Check your email for a message from SharePoint online, no-reply@sharepointonline.com, with the subject line “Eligibility Notification for Your Last Name, First Name.” The email will have details about your eligibilities and a link to the Telework & Remote Eligibility form on ConnectHR.
2. Follow the link to the form to decide which of your eligible telework and remote work options is right for you. You may have multiple options to choose from, or you may only have one option. The form also includes information about your eligibility, appeal procedures, and more details about remote and telework options.
3. You must complete your election within 30 days of receiving the notification and send it to your supervisor. For help with the form, review the user guide posted on the HRM Telework and Remote Work webpage at: Training and Resources.
4. Speak with your supervisor about any questions or concerns regarding your eligibilities. If you disagree with the determinations, you may submit a grievance. All final determination notifications will include instructions on how to file a grievance. If you are a bargaining unit employee, you can visit the HRM Labor Relations website to learn more about the negotiated grievance process. Non-bargaining unit employees are covered under the Administrative Grievance System, DR-4070-771-001.
5. If you have a medical condition and it has been impacted by your position designation determination, you can submit a request for a Reasonable Accommodation. Information about Reasonable Accommodations is posted on the HRM website.

More Information

1. USDA Future of Work Toolkit: USDA guidance for management and employees.
2. HRM Telework and Remote Work: Information about Forest Service Remote and Telework programs.

Help is available

Open an HR Help case:

1. Call: 1-877-372-7248, Press 2
2. Email: hrm_contact_center@usda.gov
3. Self-Service: ConnectHR > HR Help link

For detailed instructions, visit the HR Help How-to Add a Case Guide.