Expanding Family-Friendly Work Arrangements in the Executive Branch

This 1994 presidential memorandum directs all executive department and agency heads to establish programs expanding flexible, family-friendly work arrangements for federal employees—including job sharing, part-time work, alternative schedules, and telecommuting. It tasks OPM and GSA with reviewing and revising regulatory barriers, and requests independent agencies comply to the extent permitted by law.

Federal Register 59 FR 36017

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Key directives

Establish program to encourage flexible family-friendly work arrangements including job sharing, career part-time employment, alternative work schedules, telecommuting, and satellite work locations
Identify agency positions suitable for flexible arrangements
Adopt policies increasing opportunities for employees in suitable positions
Provide training and support for implementation
Identify barriers and provide recommendations to President's Management Council
OPM and GSA to review and revise regulations that are barriers
OPM and GSA to develop legislative proposals as needed
President's Management Council and OMB to provide implementation guidance

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Agency heads directed to establish flexible work arrangement programs
OPM and GSA directed to review and revise regulatory barriers

Near term (90d)

Agencies to identify suitable positions and adopt policies
OPM/GSA to develop legislative proposals as needed

Long term

Potential cultural shift in federal workplace norms
Possible reduction in turnover and absenteeism if implemented effectively

Risks & tensions

No enforcement mechanism or deadlines specified; compliance depends on agency discretion
Exclusion of enforceable rights may limit employee recourse if agencies fail to act
Independent agencies only 'requested' to adhere, creating potential coverage gaps
Vague 'as requested' assistance from OPM/GSA may result in uneven implementation across agencies