Introducing our Flexible Work Arrangement Leaders' Toolkit—a comprehensive resource designed to empower managers in navigating and implementing flexible work solutions effectively. This toolkit equips leaders with the tools to foster a culture of flexibility, providing insights on remote management, team communication strategies, and adaptable project planning. With practical tips on balancing team dynamics, maintaining productivity, and supporting employee wellbeing, this toolkit is your go-to guide for successfully leading in a flexible work environment. Embrace the future of work with confidence and ensure your team thrives in any setting.
Throughout this guide you’ll find helpful *Learning Opportunities which will take you to additional resources and training modules. Do you have a recommendation or request for new training, or need additional assistance? Submit a Service Now ticket to WorkLife: Flexible Work Arrangements.
Guiding Principles
Embrace these principles as you plan for your department(s) working arrangements.
- Effective support of the university mission is the first priority.
- Physical, psychological and emotional health and safety are foundational.
- Ensure fairness, equity and trust are monitored and maintained.
- Each functional area and its key positions should be assessed for the appropriateness of flexible work arrangements.
- We will continue to learn as we go, finding best practices and will be flexible and open to change.
Why Flex Work?
Flexible Work Arrangements Support DEIB:
Diversity
Enables the hiring of people without the means to afford campus adjacent housing
Equity
Enables retention of those who must have flexibility in their day to facilitate or direct caretaking of dependents
Inclusion
Supports employees with disabilities and/or chronic illness to maximally contribute; provides options for BIPOC employees to manage additional stressors from structural racism
Belonging
Promotes a sense of affinity for our community by showing we value the wellbeing of employees and acknowledge their whole selves
Additional Benefits of Flex Work
Benefits |
For the University |
For Employees |
For the Community |
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Increase employee engagement, productivity and retention |
Highly sought after by employees. Lead to reduced turnover costs, fewer absences, improved employee health, morale, engagement, and satisfaction, particularly among historically marginalized communities. |
Balance work and home life more easily (e.g., being able to schedule home repairs, childcare pickup and drop-off, pet care, and other care duties) More opportunities to exercise and eat healthily |
Greater commerce for local businesses in employees’ neighborhoods |
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Broaden the pool of available talent |
Gives employers the option to hire from across the state and the country and thereby increase the diversity and talent of the applicant pool. More readily hire part-time, semi-retired, differently abled, caretaking, or homebound workers. |
Ability to live in lower-cost areas without sacrificing time to commute |
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Use workspace more efficiently and save money |
Optimize use of limited on campus work spaces and parking by offering remote work opportunities. May help defer the cost of some otherwise required abatement or improvement projects |
Work when you are most productive Work when and where you have fewer distractions |
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Contribute to sustainability goals
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Reduce our university carbon footprint by eliminating some vehicle trips to University locations. |
Reduce your own carbon footprint. Reduce commute time, costs, and associated stress. |
Decreased traffic congestion Reduced air pollution |
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Remote work allows employees to remain productive during emergencies, such as power outages, major road closures, or pandemic. |