Spring 2022 Flexible Work Arrangement Pilot Program

Dear Colleagues:

Over these last two years, there has been a significant shift in the workplace. Many organizations, including Syracuse University, have responded to the pandemic in creative and innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of the workforce while sustaining and advancing core business functions. We have learned a lot. As a result, we are excited to announce that the University will begin a pilot program this semester to expand flexible work arrangements (FWA) for staff.

Flexible Work for Existing Staff in Non-Student Facing Positions

As part of the pilot program, the University will support flexible work for non-student facing positions with the following criteria:

• All FWAs must have the written approval of the dean or senior vice president prior to submitting the request.
• The supervisor and employee requesting the arrangement must ensure that the arrangement will not impact the employee’s day-to-day job duties and expectations.
• If the flexible work arrangement involves a hybrid workweek arrangement, it must not exceed more than two days away from the campus or work location in any week.
• The employee’s supervisor and leader will monitor work and performance through establishing clear goals, regular communications (e.g., weekly 1:1 meetings), and will ensure the employee’s full participation in all group or team meetings and events.
• The employee seeking a flexible work arrangement must have a current Performance Partnership on file with Human Resources supporting satisfactory performance.
• A new flexible work arrangement must be submitted and approved before the flexible work may begin.

Hiring for Fully Remote Work

The University will begin hiring staff who may be located outside the Syracuse area for certain functions, including information technology, advancement and marketing.

The hiring of staff for remote work must have prior approval of the dean or senior vice president at the time the position is submitted for approval. This will require careful review and consultation between the dean or senior vice president, chief human resources officer and your senior human resources business partner.

The University guidelines for the spring 2022 pilot program are on the Human Resources website. In addition, we have streamlined the online FWA form for supervisors or dean or senior vice president’s designee to submit to Human Resources their request for flexible work.

We encourage leaders to consult with your deans and senior vice presidents to explore and implement opportunities for expanding flexible work for your schools, colleges and units. The pilot program will be evaluated as to whether to extend or modify the program following the spring semester with input from faculty and staff.

Please do not hesitate to contact your senior human resources business partner directly for assistance as you make these changes.

Regards,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer