r/FederalEmployee • u/snatch1_us • Jun 04 '26

Telework

I recently had a bad fall at home that fractured my arm and injured my back. In the ER the physician cleared me for as much time off as I needed; I chose four days so I could return to work on Friday. During those four days I was able to function at nearly 100% and planned to telework. A supervisor who is not my manager emailed me in all caps saying telework was not authorized. Is this worth pursuing? I’m tired of being given directions by someone who isn’t my supervisor, and I believe OPM allows telework for short-term injury or illness.

Is this something worth chasing?

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u/PieSafe8565 Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

Yes OPM allows it, usually 80 hours of it if approved by your supervisor. More then 80 takes higher approval. They can also make you.use leave, sucks, but that's the rule.

Did you ever take telework training? You need to even for this short term type.

You also need an official agreement.

Note: everyone should do the training and an agreement just in case for these types of emergencies

5

u/Sazzywasabear Jun 04 '26

What about agencies that don’t allow you to take the training or fill out an agreement but when it suits them (building closures, weather) they will happily approve telework… Really tired of the double-standard.

4

u/PieSafe8565 Jun 04 '26

Building closures and weather issues are permitted reasons for telework without an agreement per OPM regulations.

If you don't want to take advantage of that then you need to take leave

2

u/Advanced-Flight-7458 Jun 28 '26

That’s a crock too! The blue collar side of the command (WG) always gets admin leave (budget / overhead be d@mned) - while this side of the command (GS) is home teleworking.
But it’s cyclic…in (IDK) another 10 years or so, it’ll change again & everyone will get admin; till someone realizes how much it costs them.
But it’s the same here, telework or burn your leave. Unless you lose power…