The bill proposes a range of options to enhance job flexibility for military spouses employed in the federal government.
 |
| Agencies are encouraged to develop agency-specific policies to increase retention of military spouses. Image: Collected |
In a bid to alleviate the employment challenges faced by military spouses, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers has introduced legislation that seeks to provide greater job flexibility to this often overlooked demographic. The READINESS Act, sponsored by Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), was introduced on November 21 and aims to address the unique employment hurdles encountered by spouses of active-duty military members and Foreign Service officers.
Upon a military relocation, these individuals would have the right to request an individual determination from their employing agency regarding the possibility of temporary remote work arrangements, relocation to a commutable area, or transfer to a comparable position at another agency.
This legislation is driven by the recognition that military spouses often face significant employment difficulties due to the transient nature of military life. These challenges can have a detrimental impact on entire military families, exacerbating existing financial and emotional strains.
The READINESS Act specifically addresses the alarmingly high unemployment rate among active-duty military spouses, which currently stands at 21%. Notably, 92% of military spouses are women, according to data from the Labor Department.
Rep. Crockett, in a press release issued on November 21, emphasized the importance of providing greater flexibility to working military spouses. "Without increased flexibility for working military spouses during periods of a service members' redeployment or transfer, military families are being forced to choose between military service and financial stability for their families — and that isn't a choice we should be asking our servicemembers to make," she stated.
While the READINESS Act currently lacks a Senate companion bill, the bill's proponents are actively seeking Senate partners to advance the legislation.
In addition to the READINESS Act, other efforts are underway to enhance federal employment opportunities for military spouses. Earlier this month, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance urging federal agencies to expand their utilization of existing flexibilities to better support military spouses.
OPM specifically highlighted the importance of telework and remote work options as valuable tools for recruiting and retaining military spouses. "Federal agencies have long recognized the benefits afforded by telework and remote work for organizations and the workforce," OPM stated in a November 9 memo. "Remote work can help organizations recruit new employees with hard-to-find skillsets or retain current employees who move due to spouse relocation or other life events."
Beyond remote work options, OPM also advocated for providing five days of administrative leave to military spouses working for the government whose families relocate overseas. Federal employees have access to a variety of additional flexibilities, including annual leave, sick leave, donated leave from the voluntary leave transfer program, and alternative work schedules.
OPM also encouraged agencies to utilize an existing flexibility that allows for employee reassignment to aid in employee retention. "Agencies are encouraged to develop agency-specific policies to increase retention of military spouses and military caregivers in federal careers, who may experience personal challenges that may be accommodated through a workplace flexibility," OPM stated.
These efforts to enhance job flexibility and employment opportunities for military spouses align with the Biden administration's broader goal of improving the retention of this demographic across the federal government. In an executive order issued in June, President Biden directed agencies to develop a strategic plan for hiring and retaining military spouses.
The READINESS Act and the OPM guidance represent significant steps towards addressing the employment challenges faced by military spouses. By providing greater flexibility and expanding opportunities for federal employment, these efforts can help alleviate the financial strain on military families and promote a more supportive and inclusive work environment for military spouses.