Human Resources – NAU Flexible Work Policy

2.07 Flexible Workplace Options (Hybrid/Remote Work and Flexible Schedules)

This policy establishes hybrid/remote and flexible schedule options and addresses related considerations.

Origination date: 10/1/93
Revised: 3/23/2020, 7/5/22
Applicability: Academic Professionals, Administrative Faculty, Administrators, Classified Staff, Post-Doctoral Scholars, Service Professionals

Flexible work options are discretionary actions designed to assist department heads to better attract, utilize, and retain human resources and to assist employees in balancing work responsibilities and personal considerations. Flexible work 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 arrangements will be considered on their own merits and depend upon individual circumstances and department and University Needs. Completion of a Flexible Work Request Form between the University and the employee is required to authorize, update, and reauthorize these arrangements.

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. Most alternate work schedules will include the core work hours of 9:30am – 3:30pm.

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

• Hybrid/Remote Work:  allows an employee to perform part or all of their scheduled work from home with the assistance of electronic communication. The Flexible Work Requirements and Expectations apply to all hybrid/remote arrangements and a Home Use of University Equipment Form may be required.

Considerations

Department heads should consider employee flexible work schedule and hybrid/remote requests based upon individual circumstances and department and University needs. Flexible work 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.

Flexible work schedules and hybrid/remote work arrangements should be considered non-permanent and be evaluated regularly. Flexible work arrangements and forms should be reviewed and updated as often as necessary and reasonable, but at least annually on the anniversary of the arrangement or during the performance review cycle. Employees should not rely on a hybrid or remote agreement to relocate to another geographic area without appropriate pre-approval from their department and following the processes outlined  in the Procedures for Departments with Employees Working from a State Other Than Arizona.

In situations where flexible work schedule or hybrid/remote options need to be changed, the supervisor or the employee should provide as much notice as possible. While as much notice as possible is expected, the minimum notice for any significant long-term change to schedule or hybrid/remote options will be at least a two-week notice to the employee.

Related Information

NAU Flexible Work Web Page

NAU Flexible Work Requirements and Expectations

NAU Flexible Work Request Form

NAU Tools and Technology for Remote Instruction and Work

Home Use of University Equipment Form