Federal Managers Face Increased Exposure Amidst Changing Remote Work Directives

Managers & Mandates

As one of their top priorities, the new administration has been enacting plans to update telework directives and bring federal employees back into the office. In response to a memorandum that outlines requirements for all federal employees to return to full-time in-person work, agencies have started making immediate plans that will alter telework mandates across the federal government. Federal agencies have already submitted their new remote work plans and are quickly moving forward to initiate new policies, despite longstanding collective bargaining agreements with federal employee unions.

Federal managers will be on the frontlines trying to manage new policies, with the expectation that they will not only enforce them but will handle any personnel issues that arise with them, as well. As federal managers navigate new directives, they will certainly be subject to scrutiny. A professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection can help protect your career.

Tough Tasks Ahead

Updated telework directives are actively being employed, and federal employees will be expected to return to the office quickly, with few avenues to avoid in-person work. After years of remote work being the norm, an abrupt end to those working conditions will come with pushback from employees. With little assistance or guidance, managers will be tasked with making decisions about exemptions, handling employee dissatisfaction, and initiating discipline if rules are not followed.

Without clear guidelines on what allowances can be given managers and supervisors will be subject to allegations and investigations for their actions taken in response to new directives. Additionally, they may be faced with increased pressure from federal employee unions, of which many of their employees are members. Allegations and investigations can lead to disciplinary actions – such as suspensions and terminations – being taken against you, or personal capacity lawsuits. If an allegation is made against you, it is a necessity, not luxury, to have knowledgeable and effective counsel advocating on your behalf.

Protecting Personnel

As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal employee associations, FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity.  The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs. 

Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at $290.  Additionally, federal managers, supervisors, and law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm to speak directly to a representative.

*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.