Introduction
On April 22, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an updated policy, Instruction 990-1, outlining workplace flexibility options available to employees, such as telework, remote work, and alternative work schedules.
Following this policy, and with the continued support from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to use these workplace flexibilities, NIH has set and applied key principles to guide us. These principles will help our community take advantage of workplace flexibility options, creating a stronger hybrid workforce for the future.
We are confident that NIH's adoption of the new HHS Workplace Flexibilities Policy will help us fulfill NIH's mission while also supporting our staff. According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo M-23-15 from April 13, 2023, participation in workplace flexibility programs must strengthen the organization's health and performance to help NIH achieve its goals. Following this guidance, NIH must ensure all public-facing services meet or exceed customer expectations. Not all jobs are eligible for telework or remote work. NIH will continue to respect all existing Collective Bargaining Agreements and follow all legal requirements when implementing this policy.
Programs available to employees
Telework
A flexible work arrangement where an employee is scheduled to perform their work at an approved alternative worksite on a regular/recurring or ad hoc/situational basis.
Telework guidance and resources
Remote Work
A work arrangement where an employee permanently works from an approved alternative worksite that is not an NIH owned or leased facility.
Remote Work guidance and resources
Alternative Work Schedule
A variety of scheduling options that provide an alternative to the standard workweek.
Alternative Work Schedule guidance and resources
Choosing your program
Unsure which flexibilities are available to you? Use our Employee Roadmap tool to help you determine your options.
Required actions
Employees who wish to use any of the above flexibilities must accomplish the following:
- Complete HHS Workplace Flexibilities Training
Training is satisfied by clicking and reading the policy - Submit an HHS Workplace Flexibilities Agreement to your supervisor.
Please note: If your ICO is using the Workplace Flexibilities Agreement (WFA) System, then use the WFA dashboard to submit your agreement.
Resources
- HHS Workplace Flexibilities Policy
- HHS Workplace Flexibilities Training
Training is satisfied by clicking and reading the policy - HHS Workplace Flexibilities Agreement
- OPM 2021 Guide to Telework and Remote Work
- OPM Hybrid Work Toolkit
- Future of Work Resource Hub
Contact us
- For more information surrounding IC-specific Workplace Flexibilities questions, please contact your IC liaison.
- For more information surrounding travel policies related to Workplace Flexibilities, please email the NIH Travel Office.