Dear Faculty and Staff,
Many employees have expressed over the past year that flexible schedules can provide employees with higher job satisfaction, lower stress and better overall health. We agree! Human Resources and the Office of the President are pleased to introduce a Flexible Work Arrangement Policy, effective as of September 8, 2020. In accordance with this policy, employees are permitted to request Flexible Work Arrangements, which may vary their daily work schedule or location in a way that balances the operational and educational demands of the University with the preferred work arrangement of its employees. The goal of Flexible Work Arrangements is to improve employee wellness by creating better work-life balance and increasing employee recruitment and retention while maintaining a productive, efficient work environment.
Key points:
- The Flexible Work Arrangement Policy applies to all full-time employees of the University, unless specifically excluded based on job duties or scheduling demands of the University. This policy does not apply to student employees.
- Flexible work arrangements do not in any way alter an employee’s rate of pay, benefit eligibility
- Flexible Work Arrangements are meant to be implemented in a fair and equitable manner throughout the University, which may result in differing arrangements depending on job responsibilities, service obligations and departmental needs.
- Flexible Work Arrangements are a discretionary benefit to eligible employees based on the needs of the University; such arrangements should not be viewed automatic or permanent in light of the varying roles and responsibilities of employees and changing needs of the University over time.
- The term “flexible work schedule” refers to adjustments that last longer than three months.
What you need to do next if you are considering requesting flexible work arrangements:
- Read the full details of the Flexible Work Arrangement Program and Policy. The Policy will be available on the NEOMED intranet on September 8, 2020, with details forthcoming in The Pulse.
- Fill out the documents needed to request participating. Documents will be available on the NEOMED intranet on September 8, 2020 with details forthcoming in The Pulse.
Two final reminders:
NEOMED will allow employees who have unique challenges covered under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and are able to perform their work from home, to continue to work remotely until Sept. 8.
After September 8, employees who have unique challenges covered under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act or Family and Medical Leave Act should contact Human Resources for guidance.
Thank you for all of the work you have continued to do to support NEOMED throughout these uncertain times.
Regards,
Andre
Andre Burton, J.D.
Vice President for Human Resources and Diversity