Primary Department: Human Resources and Talent
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Sakita Douglas, Interim Chief People Officer
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for discussion and possible action regarding the Telework Policy for Harris County employees.
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Background and Discussion:
In July 2020, during the COVID pandemic, Commissioners Court approved the Harris County Telework Policy to promote remote work as a means of ensuring employee safety, improving administrative efficiency, and reducing Harris County’s carbon footprint.
As of March 2025, 35% of employees in departments that report to the Office of County Administrator (OCA) telework at least two days a week. Meanwhile, 63% of employees in these departments work in the office full-time, and 2% work fully remotely.
The revised Telework Policy now includes clearer guidelines regarding secondary employment reporting. Additionally, OCA-reporting departments must review telework arrangements annually and report any changes to the Office of County Administration and Human Resources & Talent.
To ensure the policy remains effective, future modifications will consider industry best practices, employee feedback, and department-specific telework needs.
Expected Impact:
By reviewing and refining the Telework Policy, Harris County aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee satisfaction, and maintain service excellence. A well-structured telework framework can strengthen recruitment and retention efforts, reduce office space and parking costs, and ensure continuity of operations during emergencies or disruptions.
This review process will help align the policy with the county’s strategic goals while proactively addressing concerns from department heads, employees, and stakeholders
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan: N/A
Prior Court Action (if any): N/A
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Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 3/27/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Erika Owens, Sr. Director of Harris County Human Resources and Talent
Attachments (if applicable): N/A