New Flex Work Scheme Gives Some NJ Workers 2 Days At Home A Week

NEW JERSEY – Working from home is going to be easier for some Garden State workers as part of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission's pilot program, which establishes a telework program for employees.

The shift to telework will offer more workplace flexibility, allowing State agencies to compete with the private sector by broadening strategies and incentives for talent recruitment and retention, officials said.

“Telework will accelerate the modernization of New Jersey’s State government to reflect the evolving workplace landscape,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Our union partners have been integral to the creation of this telework pilot program. Through collaboration, we can continue to build a workforce equipped to handle the demands of the modern workplace.”

The pilot program will last one year and apply to all State departments and authorities, with an implementation deadline of July 1.

"The approval of the Model Telework Pilot Program is a monumental step that addresses the current needs of the State workforce,” said Civil Service Commission Chair Deirdré Webster Cobb. “During the height of the pandemic, we witnessed State employees successfully continue to deliver critical State and public services while teleworking. As we witness changes around the world in the landscape of how we work, it is important for us to adapt in order to attract and retain qualified State workers.”

Not all State employees will be eligible for telework due to the nature of their jobs. For example, Department of Labor & Workforce Development and Motor Vehicle Commission employees whose primary job responsibilities involve in-person services will not be eligible for telework.

The pilot telework program establishes general parameters for all State departments and authorities to follow when developing their department-specific telework policies.

Parameters include:

• All departments and authorities will be required to offer a telework program of no more than two working days per week based on operational need.
• Appointing authorities should make available flextime schedules and/or alternate work programs for employees who are not eligible for telework when operational needs allow.
• Employees will be required to engage in an application process to determine eligibility. Both employees and managers will be required to complete telework trainings as part of the approval process.
• Significant discretion shall be given to appointing authorities to consider operational needs when determining telework schedules for eligible employees.
• Each department will be required to consult with relevant unions when developing their telework plans.

All pilot telework plans must be submitted to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission by June 1 and implemented by July 1.

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