Telework Eligibility
Questions and answers
Yes. Denials should be based on the requirements of the Telework Enhancement Act, individual agency telework policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the business and operational needs of the organization. Telework is not an employee right or entitlement. Although the intent of the Act is to promote the use of telework, agencies have discretion to determine participation based on the specific needs of the organization. Decisions to deny a request to telework should be based on sound business management principles and not for personal reasons. As a general rule, a manager’s denial of a telework request should follow some basic principles:
- Be in writing
- Provide an explanation
- Be timely
- Follow agency policies and procedures for denial/termination of telework requests
- Include any appeals/grievance procedures available to the employee