Flexibility in the Workplace, Policy 6.6.13, has been revised to better describe flexible work practices, including working remotely or adjusting the times for arriving and leaving Cornell. A number of new resources to guide supervisors and employees in using the flexibility policy are available on the Web. The policy provides information on:

• various forms of flexibility, including occasional-use flexibility;
• roles and responsibilities of employees, supervisors and HR representatives;
• documentation that is required or recommended (depending on type of flexibility) and necessary steps for implementation; and
• resources and tools.

More information is available here.

A new tool has been developed to support the university’s commitment to workplace flexibility and to provide support to employees in requesting and supervisors in managing flexible work. This online tool assists staff members in drafting a flexible work proposal for their supervisor’s consideration by asking them to describe, for example, the workplace benefits of the arrangement, its challenges and proposed solutions, and needed resources.

Once a staff member submits information via this online tool, it is emailed to the staff person’s supervisor and local human resource representative. It gives the supervisor the pertinent information to evaluate the proposal and use it as the basis of further dialogue with the employee. While an employee is not required to complete this proposal according to the policy, colleges and units may opt to make submission of the written proposal standard practice.

Supervisors who plan to deny a request for workplace flexibility must consult with their local human resource representative for guidance. While the supervisor has the ultimate authority in approving or denying an arrangement (unless college or unit policies require otherwise), the human resource representative can help supervisors consider a variety of options as well as address performance issues that can prevent flexibility.

Trainings on flexible work and workgroup or individual consultations are available to supervisors and employees through Career/Life Services in Human Resources. Contact Michelle Artibee, program manager at 255-5298 with questions regarding the policy or online tool.