Senate lawmakers make another push for ‘accountability’ in federal telework, remote work

Lawmakers are once again proposing changes to telework and remote work for federal employees, this time by attempting to put the government’s definitions of the workplace arrangements into law.

If enacted, the Telework Reform Act would codify the definitions of telework and remote work. It would also require teleworking federal employees to report to the office at least twice per two-week pay period.

Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), who introduced the bill last week, said it is an effort to promote management, accountability and transparency in federal telework.

If the bill is enacted, agencies would have to report to Congress on the potential value, expected cost savings and productivity outcomes of an increase in remote work and telework in the federal workforce. The Telework Reform Act would also require agencies to identify job classifications that would benefit from remote work.