Severe spouse career disruption and family hardships can be experienced by employees when geographically relocating to new job assignments. In addition to concerns for the well being of employee families, federal agencies such as the Departments of Defense (DoD) and State, have experienced recruiting and retention difficulties associated with this problem. Responding to this issue, GSA, DoD, and the Department of State have established the STEP which is a public-private partnership to utilize telework in addressing the career and employment needs of spouses of federal employees who are relocated to different geographical regions. This public-private partnership addresses two needs: increased spousal employment opportunities and additional skilled workers to supply private sector requirements.

Please see the STEP Library to review additional details about the STEP program.