Alternative Work Schedules

An alternative work schedule (AWS) is any one of several available work schedules other than the traditional work schedule of 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. By allowing employees to vary the hours of their workday and/or workweek, AWS offers employees maximum flexibility, yet ensures office coverage as most forms of AWS require employees to either work, or account for absences with approved leave, during the designated core hours.

Personnel Bulletin No. 09-14: Alternative Work Schedules (October 2009)

Note: On July 27, 2023, under guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, the Department adjusted Personnel Bulletin No. 09-14 by modifying requirements for employees in the National Capital Region (NCR). Core hours remain 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for telework hours performed at a telework location but change to 10:00 p.m. to 2:00p.m. when reporting to the office work site in the NCR.