Staff Employee Telecommuting Policy and Procedures
May 19, 1997
DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS:
Telecommuting Policy for Staff Employees
Enclosed for your information is the new telecommuting policy for staff employees. This policy reflects many of the thoughts and concerns expressed by managers and employees in response to the draft policy issued January 22, 1997. This packet is designed to assist employees and departments in developing telecommuting arrangements that will be beneficial to all concerned. The packet includes:
- A telecommuting policy statement
- Guidelines for developing telecommuting agreements
- A model telecommuting agreement
- A checklist for employees to use in developing a proposal to telecommute
- A telecommuting safety checklist
Telecommuting is one of many flexible work arrangements that campus departments may establish for their staff, to enable them to achieve a more successful balance between work responsibilities and family life. (Others include flexible schedules, part-time and partial-year appointments, job sharing, alternate work days, and alternate work weeks.) There are already many telecommuting and other flexible work arrangements on campus.
Departments are urged to carefully review both advantages and disadvantages before setting up new telecommuting agreements, to explore the wide variety of arrangements possible, and to address potential problem areas. Pilot programs may be helpful in determining what type of arrangement will be most effective. Also, departments which currently have telecommuting agreements are encouraged to review the new policy and guidelines before renewing those arrangements, to ensure consistency of application and equitable treatment throughout the department. Remember, however, that what will work well for one position or person might not work for another. Success depends on both the nature of the work and the nature of the worker.
Your Employee Relations Specialist in Human Resources is available to assist you as you investigate telecommuting and other flexible work arrangements with your employees.
Chang-Lin
Tien