Youngkin announces new telework policy focused on innovation, teamwork

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced a new Commonwealth telework policy focusing on Virginia state employees returning to the workplace.

Consistent with pre-pandemic policies and updated Department of Labor and Industry guidelines, agencies will determine work schedules in accordance with the Commonwealth’s telework policy and the Standard Telework Agreement.

“After listening to the needs of Virginians, discussing solutions with agency heads across government, and closely monitoring the pandemic, we are excited to welcome our employees in-person this summer. We know that creative, innovative, and effective solutions for all Virginians occur with regular, in-person interaction by our incredible workforce here in the Commonwealth. Embarking on a new path that values innovation and teamwork, we are updating Virginia’s telework policy for the first time in more than a decade. Since day one, my commitment to have a best-in-class government serving all Virginians has been clear, these updates balance the demands of government services with the needs of our public servants,” Youngkin said.

The developed policy provides options for and supports the use of telework where appropriate. All employees with current telework agreements must apply for teleworking options with the new Standard Telework Agreement.

Key dates

• Applications Open (Friday, May 6th): The Standard Teleworking Agreement will be available and open for application on the DHRM website on Friday, May 6th.
• Application Deadline (Friday, May 20): Recommended deadline for all agreement requests.
• Review Deadline (Friday, June 3): Individual applications will be reviewed by June 3, 2022.
• Return to Office Date (Monday, July 5): All employees will return to their job function on-site, full time, unless outlined by an approved/executed Standard Teleworking Agreement.