General

Remote work is an arrangement in which an employee is scheduled to perform work at an alternative worksite and is not expected to report to an agency worksite.  There are no statutory or regulatory provisions as it pertains to remote work.  (Learn about OMB M-21-25 and Guide to Telework and Remote Work in the Federal Government).  Employees must obtain agency approval via a written remote work agreement for remote work arrangements consistent with agency policies. 

With respect to overseas employment, Executive Branch Federal employees conducting official U.S. Government business in foreign countries may be subject to provisions of the Department of State’s (DOS) Executive Secretary Memorandum, entitled ‘Requirements for Executive Branch Employees Teleworking in Foreign Locations,’ also known as a Domestic Employee Teleworking Overseas (DETO) arrangement. OPM defers to DOS and encourages agencies to consult DOS and their guidance for applicability of DETO arrangements and provisions before designating or granting remote work in overseas locations.