Telecommuting, also known as e-commuting or telework, enables state employees to work from home or outside of the office. There are many benefits to telecommuting, including that it allows flexibility for working parents, enables workers to avoid stormy commutes, and can lead to increased productivity for workers who find working in the office distracting.
However, Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Rule R477-8-2 states that “telecommuting is an agency option, not a universal employee benefit.” The option does not make sense for every agency or every position within that agency.
Because telecommuting is a newer program, the DHRM rule is relatively vague. The rule designates some requirements for agencies that opt to utilize the program, but individual mandates are primarily left to the discretion of the agency.
DHRM Rule R477-8-2
Agencies shall:
(a) Establish a written policy governing telecommuting
(b) Enter into a written agreement with each participating employee to specify conditions, such as use of state or personal equipment, protecting confidential information, and results such as identifiable benefits to the state and how customer needs are being met
(c) Not allow participating employees to violate overtime rules
(d) Not compensate for normal commute time
(e) Document telecommuting authorization
Ask your supervisor if your position could qualify for telecommuting privileges!
Questions? Call (801)-264-8732 to reach a UPEA representative.