2006 Code of Virginia § 2.2-2817.1 - State agencies to establish alternative work schedules; reporting requirement

2.2-2817.1. State agencies to establish alternative work schedules;reporting requirement.

A. In accordance with the statewide telecommuting and alternative workschedule policy, to be developed by the Secretary of Administration pursuantto 2.2-203.1, the head of each state agency shall establish a telecommutingand alternative work policy under which eligible employees of such agency maytelecommute, participate in alternative work schedules, or both, to themaximum extent possible without diminished employee performance or servicedelivery. The policy shall identify types of employees eligible fortelecommuting and alternative work schedules, the broad categories ofpositions determined to be ineligible for telecommuting and the justificationtherefor, any benefits of telecommuting including the use of alternate worklocations that are separate from the agency's central workplace, and anybenefits of using alternative work schedules. The policy shall be updatedperiodically as necessary.

B. The head of each agency shall set annual percentage targets for the numberof positions eligible for alternative work schedules. By July 1, 2009, eachstate agency shall have a goal of not less than 25 percent of its eligibleworkforce participating in alternative work schedules.

C. The head of each state agency shall annually report to the Secretary ofAdministration or his designee on the status and efficiency of telecommutingand participation in alternative work schedules, including specific budgetrequests for information technology, software, telecommunicationsconnectivity (i.e., broadband Internet access, additional telephone lines,and online collaborative tools), or other equipment or services needed toincrease opportunities for telecommuting and participation in alternate worklocations.

D. As used in this section:

"Alternate work locations" means approved locations other than theemployee's central workplace where official state business is performed. Suchlocations may include, but not be limited to the home of an employee andsatellite offices.

"Alternative work schedule" means schedules that differ from the standardworkweek, 40-hour workweek schedule, if such schedules are deemed to promoteefficient agency operations. Alternative work schedules may include, but notbe limited to, four 10-hour days, rotational shifts, and large-scale jobsharing.

"Central workplace" means an employer's place of work where employeesnormally are located.

"Telecommuting" means a work arrangement in which supervisors direct orpermit employees to perform their usual job duties away from their centralworkplace, in accordance with work agreements.

"Work agreement" means a written agreement between the employer andemployee that details the terms and conditions of an employee's work awayfrom his central workplace.

(2001, c. 405, 2.1-20.1:9; 2004, cc. 701, 755; 2005, c. 421; 2006, c. 137.)