Introduction
On March 22, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) re-issued Instruction 990-1, Workplace Flexibilities. This instruction establishes HHS' policy and highlights the various workplace flexibilities available to employees in the performance of their duties including telework, remote work, and alternative work schedules.
In accordance with this policy, and the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) continued endorsement to utilize telework, remote work, and other workplace flexibilities (WPF) to adapt to the changing needs of the workforce of the future, NIH has established and implemented guiding principles. The application of these principles will ensure our community is able to leverage flexibilities moving forward, building an enhanced hybrid workforce.
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
- NIH Guiding Principles
- 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.