“Telework will accelerate the modernization of New Jersey’s State government to reflect the evolving workplace landscape,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. – DEPOSIT PHOTOS
In an effort to modernize New Jersey’s state workplace landscape, the Civil Service Commission approved a pilot program establishing a telework arrangement for employees.
The program will help maintain core services and ensure responsiveness to constituent needs, while offering more workplace flexibility and allowing state agencies to compete with the private sector in talent recruitment and retention.
“Telework will accelerate the modernization of New Jersey’s State government to reflect the evolving workplace landscape,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Our union partners have been integral to the creation of this telework pilot program. Through collaboration, we can continue to build a workforce equipped to handle the demands of the modern workplace.”
The pilot program will last one year, applying to all departments and authorities, with a deadline to implement by July 1, 2022. However, not all employees will be eligible for the pilot program because of the nature of their jobs. The Department of Labor & Workforce Development and Motor Vehicle Commission are two such examples, since employees’ primary responsibilities involve in-person services.
“The approval of the Model Telework Pilot Program is a monumental step that addresses the current needs of the State workforce,” said Civil Service Commission Chair and Chief Executive Officer Deirdre Webster Cobb. “During the height of the pandemic, we witnessed state employees successfully continue to deliver critical State and public services while teleworking. As we witness changes around the world in the landscape of how we work, it is important for us to adapt in order to attract and retain qualified State workers.”
The new program also establishes general parameters for all departments and authorities to follow when developing their telework policies. Those plans must be submitted to NJ CSC by June 1 to be implemented by July 1.
