White House pushes more telework paid leave

The White House issued a statement Oct. 25 reiterating the president’s strong support for more telework, among other alternative, more flexible workplace arrangements such as more paid leave, as a means to make the federal government more productive and also to attract some of today’s most desirable workers to federal agencies. 

“There are steps we can all take to help — implementing practices like telework, paid leave, and alternative work schedules — and my administration is committed to doing its part to help advance these practices across the country,” President Barack Obama said Oct. 26. “And within the federal government, we have followed the lead of many private sector companies when it comes to increasing workplace flexibility.”

The president reiterated that permitting and pressing for more telework from federal employees is needed, in order to attract and retain “employees who are more productive and engaged through flexible workplace policies.”

“[It’s] not just good for business or for our economy – it’s good for our families and our future,” he said.

The National Federation of Federal Employees issued a statement applauding the president’s words.

The Senate has passed a bill that — at least on paper — will require far wider participation in federal telework, and the House is expected to follow in the coming weeks.