U.S. Geological Survey Policy Memorandum 99.01.OC: Approval and Implementation of Flexiplace Policy Date: Wed, 01 Sep 1999 13:37:26 -0400 To: "USGS Employees" From: "Director's Office" Subject: U.S. Geological Survey Policy Memorandum 99.01.OC: Approval and Implementation of Flexiplace Policy NOTE TO SUPERVISORS, MANAGERS, AND TEAM LEADERS: PLEASE ENSURE THAT EMPLOYEES WITHOUT ACCESS TO E-MAIL RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS MESSAGE MEMORANDUM August 31, 1999 To: All U.S. Geological Survey Employees From: Barbara J. Ryan Assistant Director for Operations Subject: U.S. Geological Survey Policy Memorandum 99.01.OC: Approval and Implementation of Flexiplace Policy I am pleased to inform you that a flexible workplace program will be available to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employees beginning on October 1, 1999. This program, also referred to as flexiplace/telecommuting, provides employees with the opportunity to perform some or appropriate portions of their duties at alternative worksites during an agreed-upon portion of their work week. Alternative sites may include an employee's home, a telecommuting center, or another USGS facility. Flexiplace is another family friendly workplace option that employers and supervisors can use to provide greater mobility and flexibility to employee work schedules. It is another tool that we can use to help improve your quality of work life. To be eligible for the program, interested employees and their positions must meet specific criteria. Employees and supervisors must also read the Flexiplace Handbook and sign a flexiplace agreement that specifies terms and conditions of participation in the program. Eligibility criteria, sample agreements, and a more detailed description of flexiplace, its benefits, the basic principles of operation, and options available under the policy are included in the bureau's Flexiplace Handbook. A copy of the handbook can be found on-line at http://www.usgs.gov:8888/ops/hro/benefits/index.html. Initially, employees who require a high degree of computer support in order to work from an alternative work site may not be able to participate. The USGS infrastructure is undergoing rapid change and improvement; however, at this time it cannot support employees who must use the USGS network as their internet service provider. In addition, remote access to email is not currently available in all locations. Supervisors and employees must contact their information technology expert to determine if the employee's technology needs can be met prior to approval of flexiplace. Within the next few weeks, the Human Resources Office will provide us with additional information about plans for implementing flexiplace. These plans include training for senior level managers, human resources specialists and senior level administrative officers beginning in September, orientation sessions for interested employees, and their supervisors beginning in October, and the distribution of answers to Frequently Asked Questions. The dates and times for training sessions, and the method of registration for them will also be provided through the Human Resources Office. In the interim before our training, I encourage you to contact your program/office flexiplace coordinator if you have questions about flexiplace. These persons are: Fran Corcoran White, Bureau Flexiplace Coordinator/OPS Coordinator Laure Wallace, Geologic Division Coordinator Charlene Simpson, Water Resources Division Coordinator Karen Kretlow, National Mapping Division Coordinator Linda Behlin, Biological Resources Division Coordinator Kevin Hermanson, Central Region Personnel Office Coordinator Michele Bollier, Western Region Personnel Office Coordinator Nancy Resinko, South Eastern Region Personnel Office Coordinator