WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a memo today, outlining the various human resources (HR) flexibilities available to assist Federal employees affected by Hurricane Maria, as well as other recent hurricanes.

The memo also highlights ongoing updates to OPM’s hurricane landing webpage, which will continue to be updated with the latest information and guidance for Federal employees dealing with the aftermath of these hurricanes.

“Our goal at OPM is to provide Federal employees and agencies impacted by the recent hurricanes with the resources they need to get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said Acting OPM Director Kathleen McGettigan. “By establishing these flexibilities, we hope to help ease the strain on our colleagues caused by these recent storms,” said McGettigan.

In addition to the HR flexibilities, OPM issued a memo to establish an Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP) for Federal employees adversely affected by Hurricane Maria. An ELTP permits employees in the executive and judicial branches, or agency leave banks established under 5 U.S.C. § 6363, to donate unused annual leave for transfer to employees of the same or other agencies who are adversely affected by the emergency, and who need additional time off from work without having to use their own paid leave. ELTPs were issued this month to assist Federal employees affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma as well.

OPM also extended the special solicitation of Federal employees at the workplace for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma victims to include areas that have been damaged by Hurricane Maria.

Federal employees are encouraged to contact their agency human resources or payroll office for further information on the HR policies and flexibilities, ELTP and special solicitations available throughout hurricane season and other severe weather emergencies.