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Regardless of where you are, one thing is likely true. It’s really hot outside.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is encouraging agencies to help federal employees cope with the severe heat by allowing them to take advantage of telework and other workplace flexibilities.
In a memo to agencies issued Friday, Acting Director Beth Cobert said OPM is teaming up with the Department of Health and Human Services “to remind federal agencies to be proactive in protecting the health and well‑being of our employees.”
This means ensuring employees have access to drinking water and allowing them to work from home on days when the air quality is poor. OPM also said that if agencies allow it, employees can adjust their schedules to avoid travel during the hottest parts of the day or take vacation days.
The OPM memo goes on to list links providing heat-related resources and alerts.
NTEU has negotiated telework programs and alternative work schedules in many of our contracts. For more information on workplace flexibilities that might be available to you or for help talking with your supervisor, contact your local NTEU chapter.