OPM Issues Hiring, Onboarding During COVID-19 Guidance
In a memo released on March 20, the Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management Michael Rigas has authorized an expedited hiring process to fill temporary positions in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The agency hiring authorities may be used for a period of one year or until the public health emergency is over, with a possible one-year extension.
“Agencies may appoint individuals nationwide, at any grade level," Rigas explained in the memo. “These appointments may be extended up to 1 additional year. If this public health emergency or pandemic continues, agencies may also request extensions of appointments beyond 24 months from OPM on a case-by-case basis.”
In addition to increasing hiring flexibilities, OPM has issued guidance to agency leaders regarding proper onboarding for new employees.
In a memo released Tuesday, Acting Director Rigas advised agencies to “exercise discretion” in deferring physical presence requirements associated with onboarding new employees.
“As a precaution in response to COVID-19, agencies should amend the process by which they administer the Oath of Office, to include provisions that allow this process to be conducted virtually or remotely (e.g., over video link, Skype, FaceTime, etc.). Agency HR Directors should work with their respective agency Chief Information Officers to determine the best options,” stated Rigas.
Rigas instructed agencies to request that the employee send an electronic version of the signed document via e-mail to the agency, preferably within three business days of the onboarding process. He also encouraged other necessary onboarding forms to be made electronically available.
Rigas also noted that agencies can elect to perform other elements of the onboarding process, such as new employee orientation, remotely as well. Rigas encouraged agencies to work with their Chief Information Officers to ensure this is possible.
