Pandemic Preparedness - Working from Remote Locations

While we strive to ensure that commonwealth employees will remain healthy, in the event of a widespread pandemic in Pennsylvania you may be instructed to work from an alternate location. The information and resources here can help you complete your critical tasks and continue to serve the citizens of PA.

Home Computing

Commonwealth E-Mail Access
Commonwealth employees can access their e-mail from anywhere via the Web.

Employee Self Service
Manage your leave, deductions, direct deposit, travel expenses and more.

Remote Access
Employees can connect to the commonwealth network from home or another remote location. This needs to be set up in advance, as you will need to install the remote access software on your home computer. Contact your agency’s IT department to request this access.

If you are having trouble with remote access, these support numbers and manuals may help.

Phone & Voice Mail

Forward Your Phone
When arranged in advance with your IT department, you can forward your phone to another number even when you aren’t at your desk.

Conference Calls
A number of video, voice and Web conferencing options are available to commonwealth agencies. Check with your agency's IT department to find out what tools may be available to you.

Check Your Voice Mail
Follow these simple steps to access the commonwealth voice mail system from anywhere:

Dial your work telephone number.

Wait for the voice mail system to answer.

When the voice mail system starts to talk, press the * key.

Follow the instructions provided by the system to enter your mail box number.

NOTE: If you are calling from a cell phone or phone number in a different area code than your work telephone number, you must include your work area code when entering your mail box number.

Pandemic Information

Management directive 505.33 establishes policy for agencies to enable and permit certain employees to work from home during periods of emergencies.

To get the latest updates on the H1N1 flu pandemic or flu virus in general, go to www.H1N1inPA.com or www.flu.gov.