Please find below NYCHA’s Emergency Telework Policy that is consistent with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s request for 10 percent of the City’s workforce to work from home, as well as guidance from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on best practices for social distancing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). This policy is also available in PDF format on HR Corner. Your supervisor will advise you if you have been selected for telework in the next few days.

I. Purpose of the Emergency Telework Policy

NYCHA’s Emergency Telework Policy During the COVID-19 Outbreak is intended to continue essential services during a declared state of emergency. Employees may be permitted to telework during a declared state of emergency under the following conditions.

II. Terms and Conditions of Participation

• Telework is generally not appropriate for field workers or other employees who provide direct resident services.
• Telework arrangements must be approved by the employee’s supervisor and the Human Resources Department.
• Employees must have the necessary hardware, software and internet service to telework.  The employee’s direct supervisor is responsible for confirming that the employee has internet access, and necessary hardware and software. Employees are responsible for maintaining this equipment, exercising reasonable care with NYCHA-owned hardware, and Internet Service Provider costs.
• Employees participating in telework must be available to participate in conference calls and team meetings as necessary.
• Employees must enter all their time in KRONOS.  Non-managerial employees who are ineligible to enter time in KRONOS must submit alternate timesheets to their supervisor before 4:00 PM the Monday after the pay period closes.
• Requests for leave must be submitted and approved in advance unless due to illness, injury or emergency. Employees may be required to provide documentation.
• Employees must report injuries occurring at the telework worksite during work hours in accordance with the procedures for Worker’s Compensation claims.
• Employees will not perform personal business or activities during agreed-upon work hours.
• Supervisors must check in with their staff who are working remotely to assign and check on deliverables a minimum of 3 times per week. Supervisors should use their discretion and check-in more frequently as needed.
• Employees must follow all information security protocols when using NYCHA electronic equipment and/or accessing NYCHA systems.
• Employees must safeguard NYCHA records from unauthorized disclosure or damage and will comply with all applicable NYCHA and NYC policies and standards on information security.
• Overtime must be approved in advance.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Greg Russ
Chair & Chief Executive Officer

Vito Mustaciuolo
General Manager