Good morning,

Here is the next installment of the “Big Three” questions we are hearing from you. As always, please continue to check our FAQs, which are updated frequently, and reach out to futureofwork@usda.gov for any questions not already addressed.

We have also received comments and questions highlighting concerns regarding the Omicron variant and testing. Employee health and safety continues to be our number one priority. We are carefully watching the developments of the Omicron variant and assessing whether any adjustments are needed as well as potential impacts on our Workplace Safety Plan. We will continue to share information as we learn more.

Sincerely,

The Future of Work Taskforce

1. If I have not received the notification about my telework or remote work designation or timeline for my return to the physical workplace, should I plan to come into the office on Jan. 3rd?

As indicated in the Sept. 20, 2021, message from the Secretary, USDA began our phased return to the physical workplace on Dec. 1 with senior executive service, senior level, scientific and professional, senior scientific and technological service, and senior foreign service officers. We will continue our phased return to the workplace for all employees on Jan. 3, 2022. It is important to note that we do not expect employees who will return to the physical workplace to all come back on Jan. 3, 2022; instead, that date signals the continuation of our overall process. We anticipate all USDA employees completing the phased return by March 14, 2022, subject to bargaining obligations.

All employees will receive a minimum of 45 days advance notice of the date they are expected to begin their return to the physical workplace. Depending on each agency and staff office’s plan and timeline, including required bargaining obligations where applicable, notices are forthcoming. You can expect to hear more specific information from your agency or staff office. 

In addition, the NEWLY REVISED Departmental Regulation 4080-811-002 on Telework and Remote Programs is a first step in expanding telework and remote work and leveraging the lessons learned and best practices from how we have worked since the beginning of the pandemic. Agencies and staff offices are currently working with labor partners to fulfill bargaining obligations related to telework and remote work arrangements. In the interim, employees are encouraged to discuss their desired telework arrangements with their supervisor and make any updates to align with the new DR or applicable collective bargaining agreement as appropriate.

2. What should individuals do if they experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19?

If USDA employees, onsite contractors or visitors have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they should not enter the USDA workplace. Federal employees, onsite contractors and visitors are asked to complete virtual or in-person symptom screening to assess the individual’s risk level and determine whether they should be allowed entry to the workplace. Any individual who develops any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during the workday must immediately isolate, wear a mask, notify their supervisor and promptly leave the workplace. 

3. If my agency or staff office is hosting a visitor, what guidance should they receive?

Visitors are expected to show a completed Certification of Vaccination form upon entry into a federal building or federally controlled indoor worksite and provide proof of a negative COVID test in the past the days if they are not vaccinated. The following text may be shared with visitors in advance of their visit: 

“We look forward to your visit to USDA. Based on guidance from the White House, visitors to our buildings who are not seeking a public benefit need to complete the Certification of Vaccination form and email it in advance to their USDA point of contact or be prepared to show it upon entry. If you are unable to complete the form in advance, a copy will be available at the building entrances and must be completed and submitted to your USDA point of contact upon entry. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated will also be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result from within the previous three days, which must be presented upon arrival to your host and not emailed in advance. Please be aware that current USDA policy is that all employees, contractors and visitors must wear masks in all USDA buildings and government owned or leased vehicles, regardless of vaccination status.”

Learn more. The first installment of the Big Three can be found here.