Flexible Work Schedules and Telework Options

Flexible work schedules or telework are discretionary actions designed to assist department heads in better utilizing human resources and to assist employees in balancing work responsibilities and personal concerns. Flexible work schedules and teleworking arrangements may be established where service and productivity will not be adversely affected, and where financial resources, staffing, workload, and office coverage permit.

Requests for flexible work schedules or teleworking arrangements will be considered on their own merits and depend upon individual circumstances. Implementation of a Flexible Work Schedule or Telework Agreement between the University and the employee is required to authorize these arrangements. [During the COVID-19 outbreak, reasonable documentation of all telework approvals is required, but the requirement to implement formal telework agreements has been temporarily suspended.]

Flexible Work Schedule Options

Alternate Work Schedule: provides an opportunity for an employee to continue in a full-time position, but under a non-traditional schedule. If an alternate work schedule includes a request for a reduced lunch period, that lunch period can be no shorter than 30 minutes.

Job Sharing: provides for a two-employee team to share the responsibilities of one position.

Voluntary FTE Reduction: an employee may voluntarily work fewer hours than originally hired to work with a corresponding reduction in compensation.

Teleworking: allows an employee to perform work from home with the assistance of electronic communication. The Telework Requirements and Expectations apply to all teleworking arrangements and a Home Use of University Equipment Form may be required.

Considerations

A non-probationary employee in good standing is eligible to request a flexible work schedule program.

Department heads should consider employee flexible work schedule and telework requests based upon individual circumstances and department and University needs. Flexible work schedules and teleworking arrangements may be established where there is agreement between employee and department head as to the appropriateness of the plan for the specific department.

All requests require approval by the department head whose decision upon the request is final and not subject to further review or grievance. Questions or concerns may be addressed by contacting the Human Resources Department.

All approved requests are subject to a 30-day trial period.

In situations where flexible work schedule or telework options are unsuccessful, the supervisor or the employee must provide at least a two-week notice that the flexibility option in use will be discontinued.