OPM Encourages Leave Flexibilities for Domestic Violence

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance encouraging agencies to offer leave flexibilities to help federal employees and their family members recover from domestic violence, sexual assault and other relationship-based trauma.

Agencies are being instructed to make maximum use of existing leave and work schedule flexibilities for employees to seek medical treatment; secure housing or relocate; obtain services from organizations that serve victims of sexual or domestic violence; participate in safety planning; attend court; arrange for childcare or enroll a family member in a new school. Leave options may include annual leave, sick leave, advanced leave and leave without pay.

OPM also authorized agencies to provide weather and safety leave for teleworking employees who need to vacate their alternate work site.

More information on leave options and flexibilities is available on OPM’s fact sheet.