Department of Natural Resources Policy -
Teleworking
Policy Number: 01:03
Effective Date:     January 1, 2001 (Reviewed: May 2003)
See signed policy - Adobe Acrobat file
I. Purpose
It is the intent of this policy to encourage the use of teleworking as an alternative work arrangement. Teleworking is defined as working from home, a satellite office, or a telework center. This policy will outline the requirements necessary for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement and establish uniform procedures for eligible employees to participate in the Department’s teleworking program.

II. Scope
The Department of Natural Resources supports a teleworking program. Eligible employees may participate in this program with prior supervisory approval and as specified in this policy. This policy does not interfere with situations in which supervisors allow employees to telework occasionally for the purposes of weather, personal or professional necessity.

III. Policy
State Mandated Teleworking Program- Agencies in the Executive Branch of State Government must allow 10% of all “eligible employees” to telework at least four days per month.

Eligible Employees- Employees who are in a job identified, by their supervisor, as being suitable for teleworking.

DNR’s Expanded Teleworking Program- Teleworking two or three full days per month.

Remote workplace- A work site other than the employee’s usual or normal work place.

IV. Procedure
A. Compensation and Work Arrangements

  1. The employee’s compensation, benefits, work status and work responsibilities will not change due to participation in the teleworking program.
  2. The amount of time the employee is expected to work per day or pay period will not change as a result of participation in the teleworking program.
  3. Employees who participate in the State Mandated and DNR’s Expanded Teleworking Programs must sign and submit the “Teleworking Agreement” “Orientation and Safety Form” and initial “Work Plan” to Human Resource Service (HRS). Subsequent “Work Plans” do not need to be submitted to HRS unless an employee’s teleworking location changes. Occasional teleworkers do not have to sign a “Teleworking Agreement” but they must comply with the other terms of this policy.
  4. Employees will not conduct work related meetings from a home office.

B. Eligibility

  1. Teleworking is a privilege and not a right. Successful teleworkers have the support of their supervisors. Eligible employees will be selected based on suitability of their jobs; the supervisor’s evaluation of the business needs of the workgroup; and, an evaluation of the likelihood of success. Selections are subject to the approval of the unit director.
  2. Eligible employees must have successfully completed their initial probationary period and have received at least a “meets standards” on their most recent performance evaluation.
  3. Upon acceptance to the program, both the employee and supervisor will be expected to complete a training course designed to prepare them for the teleworking experience.

C. Equipment/tools

  1. Employees may sign out Information Technology Service (ITS) laptops for the purposes of teleworking. The use of these laptops is limited to authorized persons for purposes related to the Department’s business. Any damage or problems with this equipment while teleworking should be immediately reported to ITS and the employee’s supervisor. Laptops will be returned to ITS at the beginning of the next work day.
  2. DNR will not purchase or install tools/equipment at any telework site. This includes hardware, software, phone lines, e-mail, voice mail, connectivity to host applications, and other applicable equipment.
  3. Employees may use their own equipment for teleworking.
D. Workspace

  1. The employee shall designate a workspace within the remote work site to be used while teleworking. The employee shall maintain the workspace in a safe condition, free from hazards and other dangers to the employee and equipment. The employee must complete and answer, “yes” to all questions on “The Department of Natural Resources Orientation and Safety Form”.

  2. Any DNR materials taken to a telework site should be kept in the designated work area and not be made accessible to others.

  3. The Department reserves the right to make on-site inspections (with 24 hours advance notice) to the remote location for purposes of determining that the site is safe, free from hazards, and to maintain, repair, inspect, or retrieve Department owned equipment, data or supplies.

E. Office Supplies

The employee’s must use office supplies already purchased by the Department while teleworking. Out-of-pocket expenses for other supplies will not be reimbursed without approval of the employee’s supervisor prior to the purchase.

F. Liability

  1. The employee’s remote work site is considered an extension of the Department’s work site. During work hours, and while performing work functions in the designated work area, teleworkers are covered by worker’s compensation.

  2. The employee’s work hours will conform to the schedule agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor and documented on their work plan.

  3. When an employee uses personal equipment for teleworking, the employee is responsible for maintenance and repair of that equipment.

  4. DNR is not liable for loss, destruction, or injury that may occur in or to the employee’s home. This includes family members, visitors, or others that may become injured within or around the employee’s home.

G. Dependent Care

Teleworking is not a substitute for dependent care. Teleworkers cannot provide dependent care during their agree-upon work hours.

H. Income tax

It will be the employee’s responsibility to determine any income tax implications of maintaining a home office area. DNR will not provide tax guidance. Employees are advised to consult with a qualified tax professional to discuss income tax implications.

I. Communication

  1. Employees must be available by phone and/or e-mail during agreed upon telework hours.

  2. Employees must have prior approval from their supervisor to make business related long distance phone calls.

J. Evaluation

The employee and their supervisor shall agree to participate in all studies, inquiries, reports and analyses relating to this program.

Posted February 3, 2004