Statewide Telework (Telecommuting)

This website will soon be decommissioned upon the launch of the updated Statewide Telework Policy during 2021.

Use the link below to access the GovOps statewide telework website, which contains guidance, tools, and links to CalHR training while working with distributed teams. Also included is a section about Emergency Telework and managing the remote work environment during school closures caused by the current pandemic. 

The new Statewide Telework Policy will be added to the GovOps statewide telework website along with additional policy-related guidance, tools and training. 

Telework.GovOps.Ca.Gov

Appropriately planned and managed, telework is a viable work option that can benefit managers, employees, and customers of the state of California. Telework, which is called "telecommuting" in statute, is an important means by which the state can help reduce air pollution, traffic and parking congestion, and demand for office space.
 
The Department of General Services (DGS) has statutory authority to coordinate and facilitate the inter-agency exchange of telework information, as well as develop and update policy, procedures, and guidelines to assist agencies in their efforts to implement telework.


DGS employees can access department telework resources.


Policy

It is the policy of the state of California to encourage the use of teleworking as a management work option.  Chapter 1389 Statutes of 1990 (AB 2963 – Klehs), adding Sections 14200-14203 to the California Government Code, authorized state agencies, boards, and commissions (agencies) to establish telework programs as an element of transportation management programs. As practiced today, appropriately planned and managed telework is a viable work option that can benefit managers, employees, and customers of the state of California.

Benefits

A good telework program facilitates temporary limited duty, increases the state’s ability to respond to emergencies, amplifies effective use of new technologies within state service, and improves employee morale resulting in increased job effectiveness.

Policy and Resources

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Agency Responsibility

Statute directs agencies to review their work operations and establish telework programs in work areas where they have identified telework as both practical and beneficial.

Agencies participating in the state's telework program are responsible for establishing their own specific program policies and procedures.  Telework must be tailored to the particular environment in which it will operate.

 Agency programs differ, so their telework programs may also differ. These differences include:

  • The nature of the services the agency provides to the public and others.
  • The geographic dispersion of the agency.
  • The level of decentralization of agency management.

Note: Those agencies that have ongoing, but informal, telework programs are encouraged to formalize those programs.

Telework Programs

To assist state agencies in creating formal telework programs, the state has created a model program template called the Telework Program Policy and Procedures (2010 Statewide Telework Model Program) that agencies are encouraged to use.

Each agency is responsible for managing and operating its telework program. The generally low additional costs to establish and maintain a telework program will be borne by the agency. 

Model Program

For agencies that do not currently have a formal telework program, this document can be used as a template to create their own program. This model program is designed to help agencies implement a complete, formal program expediently, and meet the requirements of the state and bargaining entities.
 
Used as a template, this Model Program (policy and procedures) has been vetted with both the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) and bargaining groups for use by state agencies in creating a Telework Program.  Any changes to the template that are not ministerial in nature must be approved by the agency’s bargaining groups and CalHR.

Telework Program Policy and Procedures January 2010 (Template)

How to use this template:

1.    Read the document “Telework Program Policy and Procedures January 2010.” This is your template for your agency’s future plan.

2.    Using the Search and Replace function in MSWord, insert your agency or department name in the “Telework Program Policy and Procedures Jan. 2010” document, wherever “[Name of State Entity]” occurs (note: include the one set of brackets in the replace). Do the same for your agency or department acronym wherever "[Entity Acronym]" occurs, including the footer. Additionally there are two administrative positions that will need identification and entry onto the form. Note: The second set of remaining brackets ("") will not appear in the print or print preview mode.

3.    Have your agency head adopt the document as written.

4.    Submit a copy to CalHR.

5.    Follow the procedures and policies in the program document.
       (Note: Field brackets will not show in Adobe Acrobat or printed documents.)

Office of Strategic Planning, Policy and Research

Department of General Services

707 Third Street, 8th Floor
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Phone (916) 376-5000

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