May 25, 2022
Good Afternoon,
On May 31, we will distribute the DHHS Telework Approval Form. To assist you in filling it out, we have posted slides that will walk you through the approval form. They are available on our Office Re-entry Planning for DHHS Staff site (you can click the link or find them under “About Us” and “Staff”).
You will have until July 1 to fill out the DHHS Form. Supervisors will review the forms from June 20 to July 29.
As noted in the last re-entry update, in August we will give you instructions and training on how to use your DHHS Telework Approval to fill out the separate Executive Branch Telework Authorization Form so your information will be part of the Statewide database for tracking and reporting.
We have also updated the FAQs on the DHHS Telework Policy. We continue to collect general questions at: employeequestions.dhhs@maine.gov. When we update or change answers, we add the date so you can tell what is new.
One question broader than the DHHS Telework Policy is: what is the value of going back to the office? Research suggests that it may improve mental health and:
- Enable increased focus;
- Increase work/life balance by having a distinct place for work;
- Foster better collaboration and communication among colleagues;
- Facilitate coordination and alignment on priorities; and
- Strengthen our workplace culture.
That said, we also recognize the value of telework, such as reduced driving time and customization of your workspace. This is why, for those whose work and performance allow it, DHHS is offering telework for up to three days a week – more than half of your work time.
Stay tuned for more information.
Thanks, Jeanne
Jeanne M. Lambrew, PhD,
Commissioner