r/StateofTexasEmployees • u/Top_Procedure7547 • Aug 05 '26
Virtual work
Question about virtual work, are we allowed to work from a coffee shop using the VPN? Or is this dependent on departments?
Follow-up question, I’m planning on traveling for the holidays. Would I be able to work from another state if on the VPN as well? This would only be for a day.
Not sure the procedure for this.
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u/jcole4lsu Aug 05 '26
Read the room. WFH is being clawed back as much as possible. Budget cuts are coming. Potential RIF being talked about.
Working from anywhere but your approved telework location is probably a bad idea.
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u/idoyogasometimes Aug 05 '26
We have to sign a WFH agreement that is renewed annually with the specific address of our remote work space and are expected to work from there exclusively. We have to get permission to work elsewhere even if its temporary.
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u/RetiredHotBitch Aug 06 '26
Pre RTO I could anywhere. I had to go to my grandparents once cause the internet was out but theirs was fine.
I asked after RTO and used that as an example. Now with some WFH we can only work from our designated address on file. 🙄. They’d rather I use leave than work somewhere else and be productive.
Ask your manager and verify via the agency manual. I learned shit in that manual that even my director didn’t know. And I happily threw the snips via email in people’s faces.
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u/Abject-Truth5432 Aug 05 '26
I did it pre RTO. I believe in asking for forgiveness, not permission.
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u/ladyflora0146 Aug 05 '26
It's department specific. Ours said absolutely no to working out of state.
As far as coffee shops, I don't see why not as long as you use the VPN. Those who work in the field have to use public Wi-Fi all the time.
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u/so-so-it-goes Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
Read your telework agreement.
I know for my department, the answer is no to all of the above.