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This was sent via Laurel Ridge updates on February 27, 2026:
The Department of Human Resources Management has revised Policy 1.61: Teleworking
Background:
In 2022, DHRM revised the teleworking policy, shifting from broad agency discretion to a tiered approval structure: agency heads could approve one day per week (or limited temporary telework), cabinet secretaries approved two days per week, and the Chief of Staff approved three or more days per week.
Effective January 15, 2026, the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management updated Telework Policy 1.61 (https://
www.dhrm.virginia.gov/docs/default-source/hrpolicy/policy-1-61-teleworking.pdf).
There are several changes the policy brings, but the most significant is that the policy states telework agreements must be approved by the agency head or designee following a supervisor’s review, with no statewide requirement for cabinet-level or Governor’s Office approval for routine telework agreements.
What does this mean for staff and administrators?
Please continue to coordinate with your supervisor/leadership using the Laurel Ridge Guidelines issued in January. Given the policy revision, agreements will only need to be approved by the supervisor, the Vice President, and the College President.
Future Steps:
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) HR will review the VCCS policy given the changes to the state policy. In alignment with the One System approach, the VCCS HR committee will discuss and develop recommendations. Laurel Ridge HR will be closely monitoring so that the Laurel Ridge Community College Policy can be revised in alignment with both the DHRM and VCCS policies.