2.2-2817.1 - State agencies to establish alternative work schedules; reporting requirement. - Virginia Statutes

§ 2.2-2817.1. State agencies to establish alternative work schedules;reporting requirement.

A. In accordance with the statewide telecommuting and alternative workschedule policy, to be developed by the Secretary of Administration pursuantto § 2.2-203.1, the head of each state agency shall establish a telecommutingand alternative work policy under which eligible employees of such agency maytelecommute, participate in alternative work schedules, or both, to themaximum extent possible without diminished employee performance or servicedelivery. The policy shall identify types of employees eligible fortelecommuting and alternative work schedules, the broad categories ofpositions determined to be ineligible for telecommuting and the justificationtherefor, any benefits of telecommuting including the use of alternate worklocations that are separate from the agency's central workplace, and anybenefits of using alternative work schedules. The policy shall promote use ofCommonwealth information technology assets where feasible but may allow foreligible employees to use computers, computing devices, or related electronicequipment not owned or leased by the Commonwealth to telecommute, if such useis technically and economically practical, and so long as such use meetsinformation security standards as established by the Virginia InformationTechnologies Agency, or receives an exception from such standards approved bythe CIO of the Commonwealth or his designee. The policy shall be updatedperiodically as necessary.

B. The head of each agency shall set annual percentage targets for the numberof positions eligible for alternative work schedules. By July 1, 2009, eachstate agency shall have a goal of not less than 25 percent of its eligibleworkforce participating in alternative work schedules. By January 1, 2010,each state agency, except the Department of State Police, shall have a goalof not less than 20 percent of its eligible workforce telecommuting.

C. The head of each state agency shall annually report to the (i) Secretaryof Administration or his designee on the status and efficiency oftelecommuting and participation in alternative work schedules and (ii)Secretary of Technology or his designee concerning specific budget requestsfor information technology, software, telecommunications connectivity (i.e.,broadband Internet access, additional telephone lines, and onlinecollaborative tools), or other equipment or services needed to increaseopportunities for telecommuting and participation in alternate work locations.

D. As used in this section:

"Alternate work locations" means approved locations other than theemployee's central workplace where official state business is performed. Suchlocations may include, but not be limited to the home of an employee andsatellite offices.

"Alternative work schedule" means schedules that differ from the standardworkweek, 40-hour workweek schedule, if such schedules are deemed to promoteefficient agency operations. Alternative work schedules may include, but notbe limited to, four 10-hour days, rotational shifts, and large-scale jobsharing.

"Central workplace" means an employer's place of work where employeesnormally are located.

"Telecommuting" means a work arrangement in which supervisors direct orpermit employees to perform their usual job duties away from their centralworkplace at least one day per week and in accordance with work agreements.

"Work agreement" means a written agreement between the employer andemployee that details the terms and conditions of an employee's work awayfrom his central workplace.

(2001, c. 405, § 2.1-20.1:9; 2004, cc. 701, 755; 2005, c. 421; 2006, c. 137;2007, c. 716; 2008, cc. 374, 375; 2009, c. 180.)