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WORKLIFE PROGRAM

The Department's Worklife Philosophy...

The only way we will continue to achieve our goal of strengthening the nation's law enforcement efforts, is through employees' demonstrated performance, creativity and dedication. As technology improves, jobs are redefined, and we move into the 21st century we will strive to support employees and maximize their performance by making available practical and workable solutions to balancing the demands of work and personal lives.

What are some of the benefits employees can derive from the Worklife Program?

• Flexibility in balancing professional and personal priorities.
• Enhanced job performance and motivation.
• Improved morale.
• Decreased stress.
• Decreased annual and sick leave usage.

Finding a workstyle that works for you and the organization...

Flexible Work Schedules are used within the Department, with work hours ranging from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and ending 8.5 hours later.

Compressed Work Schedules provide full-time employees the option to complete their 80-hour biweekly work requirements in fewer than 10 workdays. The incentive with this option is to work longer hours each day to obtain one "off day" once a week or once a pay period.

Part-Time opportunities assist the individuals who want to work fewer hours. Employees work between 16 and 32 hours per week, within the scope of OPM and DOJ guidelines, and consistent with office workload requirements.

Job Sharing is a form of part-time employment in which two employees cover a single full-time position. Job share team members are able to fill-in during each other's absence resulting in more consistent coverage of office duties.

Telecommuting allows an employee to work from a satellite office-a GSA Telework Center, a home office, or a satellite DOJ office-for an agreed upon portion of the work week. It affords a quiet, uninterrupted work environment and freedom from the time constraints and costs associated with commuting to a primary office site.

Credit Hours are similar to compensatory time, however, credit hours provide greater flexibility in managing overtime work. Through credit hours, the employee can work occasional overtime without the burdens associated with approval and scheduling of overtime.

Family-Friendly Leave Programs are intended to support employees in managing special family situations such as the birth or adoption of a child and the serious illness or death of a loved one. These leave programs include:

• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) an employee can request up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for such things as the birth and care of a child, adoption or foster care or caring for a seriously ill member of the immediate family.
  
  
• The Federal Employee Family Friendly Leave Act (FEFFLA)-allows an employee to request up to 104 hours of sick leave per leave year, with an existing sick leave balance of 80 hours, to provide care for a family member because of illness, injury pregnancy or childbirth; a medical, dental or optical treatment; or to make funeral arrangements or attend the funeral of a family member.

For more information on these and other Federal leave programs, contact your Personnel Office.

Dependent Care Support—as a service to those of you who have dependent care responsibilities, the Department of Justice has undertaken several initiatives to provide information and support:

• In 1992, the Department opened its near site child care center called, "Just Us Kids." The Center accommodates up to 68 children, ages 12 weeks through kindergarten. The Center offers a tuition assistance program for low income families. Call (202) 219-3200 for information.
  
  
• For over three years, the Department has offered emergency child care support through the Lipton Corporate Child Care Center. The Center accommodates children ages 12 weeks to 12 years old. Call (202) 638-5222 for information.
  
  
• Several Department offices participate in a dependent care resource and referral service contract which offers employees assistance in resolving child care, elder care, higher education and financial planning, and other personal issues. Employees call a toll-free number and talk with an expert in the area they are interested in. Call (202) 616-3618 for information on this service.
  
  
• The Department Worklife Program Manager of the Justice Management Division, and Component Worklife Coordinators have reference materials available on child care and elder care topics.

Take advantage of the Worklife Program to reduce the pressure and perform at your best.

Call (202) 616-3618 to obtain the phone number of your Component Worklife Coordinator.