This toolkit provides information and resources for the Department of Defense (DOD) workforce to assist with implementing DOD Instruction 1035.01, “Telework and Remote Work.” Employees should consult with their supervisors and designated Component Telework Coordinator(s) for additional Component specific telework and remote work guidance.

Secretary of Defense Memorandum - Initial Department of Defense Implementation Guidance, 'Return to In-Person Work' 31 Jan 2025

Terminates remote work and reduces telework.

DOD Instruction 1035.01, “Telework and Remote Work”

DOD Instruction 1035.01, “Telework and Remote,” establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures for implementing DOD telework and remote work programs. This policy replaces DOD Instruction 1035.01, “Telework Policy,” dated April 4, 2012.

DoD Instruction 1035.01, “Telework and Remote Work” Frequently Asked Questions

Attached are responses to some of the most frequently asked questions related to the Department’s telework and remote work program.

Sample Remote Work Agreement

All approved remote work participants must have a remote work agreement documented in writing. At the minimum, the agreement should be signed by the employee and the immediate supervisor. The attached sample provides a basic template that can be tailored to match Component requirements.
Remote Work Agreement

Telework Agreement DD Form 2946

Section 6502(b)(2) of Title 5, U.S.C. mandates an approved written agreement for any Federal employee who participates in telework. Every DoD telework participant must have a completed and approved DD Form 2946, regardless of whether telework is routine or situational.
DD Form 2946

DoW Telework Coordinator Listing

Each DoD Component has Component-specific telework policies and procedures that address the needs of their unique missions and workforce. DoD employees are encouraged to contact their Component’s Telework Coordinator for more information on their Component specific telework and remote work policy.
Telework Coordinators List

Telework Training

It is important for teleworking employees and their managers to have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to succeed. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides basic telework training modules for employees and managers. This training is mandatory for all DoD employees who telework and managers/supervisor who approve telework for their employees.
Telework Fundamentals - Employee Training
Telework Fundamentals - Manager Training

Domestic Employees Teleworking Overseas (DETO)

A DETO is defined as a United States Government employee assigned to a domestic position with an alternative work arrangement permitting a remote worksite from an overseas location for a limited period of time. This voluntary work arrangement is especially helpful to military spouses wishing to maintain their careers while keeping their families together when assigned to overseas locations. Employees interested in learning more about DETO opportunities within their Component should contact their designated Component Telework Coordinator.

DoD Memorandum – Department of State DETO Guidance

The DoD Memorandum contains policy and Department of State guidance on DETO provisions that specify the requirements that must be incorporated in a DETO policy.
DETO Guidance for Overseas Domestic Employees

Interagency DETO Agreement Template

DETO Locality Pay

The FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision providing special locality pay to Civil Service DETOs.
DETO Locality Pay

Data Collecting and Reporting

Components are required to identify telework and remote work eligible civilian positions and document eligibility in the position record in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System or equivalent human resources system. New telework and remote work codes have been developed to accurately track eligibility and participation in both programs, across the DoW.
Telework and Remote Work Data Elements

Telework and Remote Work Job Aid

The Telework and Remote Work Coding Job Aid provides detailed guidance on coding telework and remote work eligibility and usage within the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS), MyBiz+, and Time and Attendance systems. It outlines position indicator codes, employee eligibility codes, and visual aids for supervisors to ensure accurate classification and authorization of telework and remote work arrangements. The time and attendance reporting job aid specifies the correct Environmental, Hazard, and Other (EHO) codes for tracking telework and remote work in timekeeping systems for compliance and proper documentation.
Telework and Remote Work Coding Job Aid

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The OPM 2025 Guide to Telework and Remote Work in the Federal Government

The “2025 Guide to Telework and Remote Work in the Federal Government” is an update to the “2021 Guide to Telework and Remote Work in the Federal Government.” This new guide aligns with Presidential directives, OPM and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Governmentwide policy guidance, and applicable laws and regulations. This updated guide provides a framework for suitable telework and remote work arrangements, agency roles and responsibilities, and policy development to ensure consistency across the Federal Government.
The OPM 2025 Guide To Telework And Remote Work In The Federal Government