Federal Employees: Your Right to Telework and How to Protect It
Feb 18, 2025If you're a federal employee being called back to the office but need telework as a reasonable accommodation, know this—your agency cannot retaliate against you for making that request. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has made this clear in past cases, where agencies faced consequences for punishing employees who exercised their legal rights.
And the protections don’t stop at retaliation. It is also unlawful for a supervisor to discourage you from requesting accommodations in the first place. If you’ve ever heard phrases like, "This could hurt your career" or "You’re making trouble for yourself," that’s not just inappropriate—it’s likely unlawful intimidation.
Your Legal Rights and Protections
Requesting a reasonable accommodation is a protected right under federal law. This means:
âś… Your agency cannot penalize, intimidate, or pressure you to drop your request.
âś… You have the right to work in a way that supports your health and well-being.
✅ You are entitled to fair treatment under federal regulations—your employer should set the standard, not undermine it.
History has shown that, without these protections, too many hardworking employees would be pushed out or too afraid to ask for what they need. If you believe you are experiencing retaliation or resistance for requesting telework or another accommodation, take proactive steps.
What You Can Do
đź“Ś Document Everything: Keep records of emails, take notes during conversations, and track any inappropriate comments or actions.
📌 Know Your Timeline: You likely have 45 days to report concerns to your agency’s EEO office.
📌 Seek Guidance: Don’t navigate this alone. Understanding your rights and having a strategy can make all the difference.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
My team has developed a Reasonable Accommodation Video Series, designed to give you step-by-step guidance on:
âś” Strengthening your accommodation request
âś” Handling pushback from management
âś” Protecting yourself from unfair denials
This course is based on over 20,000 hours of experience helping federal employees just like you. It’s available now for $199—an investment in securing your career and peace of mind.
Stay Informed and Take Control
We also share free legal and mindfulness tips daily, along with updates on key news affecting federal employees. To stay ahead:
đź”— Subscribe to our newsletter
đź“Ś Follow us on social media
📩 Don’t rely on the algorithm—stay connected with our latest insights
Your career and well-being matter. Don’t let fear or misinformation hold you back from asserting your rights. Stay informed, stay protected, and keep moving forward.
👉 Click here to access the Reasonable Accommodation Video Series and take control of your future.