Federal Employee Participation in Physical Fitness Programs

Q.  May We Grant Excused Absence for Participation in Physical Fitness Activities?

Each department or agency(Federal U.S. Government)  has discretion to excuse employees from their duties without loss of pay or charge to leave. Excused absence should be limited to those situations in which the employee's absence, in the department's or agency's determination, is not specifically prohibited by law and satisfies one or more of the following criteria:

• The absence is directly related to the department or agency's mission.
• The absence is officially sponsored or sanctioned by the head of the department or agency.
• The absence will clearly enhance the professional development or skills of the employee in his or her current position.
• The absence is brief and is determined to be in the interest of the agency.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each department or agency head to balance support for employees' participation in physical fitness activities with employees' work requirements and efficient and effective agency operations. Your agency should review its internal guidance on excused absence and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Reference:  http://www.opm.gov/employment_and_benefits/worklife/officialdocuments/handbooksguides/employeehandbook/chapter2/index.asp