Guide to submitting a BC Public Service digital telework agreement

A telework agreement must be approved by your supervisor for flexible work arrangements if you are working at home or another location outside of the office. 

start the digital submission

---

---

How to prepare

• Have a conversation with your supervisor about telework before you launch the digital form. This will save you time because you'll have the information and answers you need to complete the telework agreement submission
• A telework agreement requires:
  • A safety inspection for working at home
  • An emergency preparedness plan for working at home
  • A review of information security guidelines

What you need to know

• A telework agreement is a voluntary privilege and not an entitlement
• A telework agreement can be terminated at any time
• A telework agreement needs to be completed annually, it expires after 12 months
• If you're requesting three or more days of telework per week, ADM (or delegate) approval is required
• Your submitted request will expire in 60 days if not approved or denied by your supervisor
• This is for B.C. public servants working within B.C. only
• The digital telework agreement addresses the responsibilities of both the employee and employer for the mutual benefit of both parties

Financial issues

• Some home office expenses may be tax deductible if certain conditions established by the Canada Revenue Agency are met. All tax matters related to a home office are the responsibility of the employee
• One of the criteria for supporting telework is that any arrangement should not generate additional net costs for the employer. This includes costs for home renovations
• If you're called to the office during a telework day, you are not eligible for travel cost reimbursement

Telework schedules

• Having a modified work week arrangement (earned time off [ETO] days) is a separate decision from telework agreements, and does not conflict with an approved telework agreement
• Employee travel or field work are not considered telework situations and an agreement is not required for these circumstances

Terminating a telework agreement

• Telework agreements are specific to an employee’s position with their current work unit. If you take on a new position with another work unit, your current telework agreement will be terminated and you'll have to propose a new arrangement with your new supervisor
• An employee or their supervisor can terminate the agreement by providing 30 days written notice.
• A telework agreement may be terminated immediately if there is a serious breach of the Standards of Conduct or other condition of employment, or a health and safety risk