Model Telework Pilot Program, CSC Docket No. 2024-2187

BackgroundThe Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (Commission) recommends extending the attached Model Telework Pilot Program established by the Commission at its meeting on April 6, 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic required numerous Executive Branch employees to shift to partial or full telework. As a result of this experience, it was demonstrated that many segments of the State workforce can work effectively at home. In this regard, it was noted that many divisions throughout the State saw employee productivity increase during that time. As many other government and private sector employers also experienced increased productivity, they continued to offer telework as a benefit to their employees after the most acute effects of the pandemic began to wane. To stay competitive and to attract top talent, as well as take advantage of increased employee productivity, the Model Telework Pilot Program for State Executive Branch Employees was approved for a period of one year, ending on June 30, 2023. It was then amended on July 20, 2022, and subsequently extended until June 30, 2024. See In the Matter of Model Telework Pilot Program, State Executive Branch Employees (CSC, decided April 6, 2022, July 20, 2022, and June 7, 2023) (attached).

RuleN.J.S.A. 11A:6-24 specifically authorizes the Commission to establish rules governing hours of work – which includes such things as flextime programs (N.J.A.C. 4A:6-2.6), alternative workweek programs (N.J.A.C. 4A:6-2.7), and adjusted hours of operation (N.J.A.C. 4A:6-2.8). The Model Telework Pilot Program was instituted by the Commission to help it determine if a telework program should be codified in its regulations.

All accounts of the Model Telework Pilot Program have been positive. The Commission intends to institute formal rule making procedures to codify a telework program into Title 4A of the New Jersey Administrative Code. In order to continue to facilitate formal rule making procedures without disruption to State operations, the Chairperson recommends extending and continuing the Model Telework Pilot Program until such time the Commission formally adopts rules following the issuance of a public proposal and notice and comment period in accordance with N.J.A.C. 1:30- 5.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that the Model Telework Pilot Program for State Executive Branch employees be extended until such time the Commission formally adopts rules following the issuance of a public proposal and notice and comment period in accordance with N.J.A.C. 1:30-5.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.