OHIO FlexWork
Ohio University is embracing a model for the workplace that enables flexibility, adapts to evolving team and university needs, optimizes collaborative work while respecting the need for focused individual effort, and seamlessly integrates our virtual and physical environments. Leveraging early adopters, the purpose of this project is to develop innovative and financially sustainable workplace models that can be readily scaled across the OHIO system. In addition to creating designed space prototypes, the models will include a process for moving through essential discussions and decisions as a team to enable a Flexwork model that works for you.
College, department, and administrative unit leaders are encouraged to approach planning flexible work arrangements with the following principles and guidelines in mind. Plans should set up employees to achieve the successful outcomes of their work. University Planning and University Human Resources can provide counsel to leaders and supervisors in decision making.
Learn more about the success measures, implementation process, and working groups on the About OHIO FlexWork page.
University FlexSpaces
University FlexSpaces are designated areas on campus that are made up of private, semi-private, and open workstations for University employees to utilize. Some workstations are drop-in use and meeting rooms can be reserved through Outlook.
Have feedback, requests, or issues?
Already used FlexSpace?
Managing Flex Arrangements: Resources, Guides, and Tools
The University recognizes the positive impact flexibility in the workplace has on recruitment, retention, morale, engagement, and productivity. Given the mutually beneficial impact to both employees and the institution, supervisors and department/planning unit heads are strongly encouraged to utilize flex agreements as outlined below wherever possible.
In support of such agreements, supervisors are encouraged to use this website as a toolkit for success. Below, please find relevant official OHIO policies, guidelines from UHR, agreement forms, and additional helpful tools.
For questions, please contact your HR Liaison.
- 40.063: Flexible Work Schedule, Flexible Hours, and Flexplace for Administrators
- 91.003: Computer and Network Acceptable Usage
- FlexWork Operational Guidelines
- UHR Guidelines for Flexible Work Schedule, Flexible Hours, and Flexplace
- OIT Guidelines: Securing Remote Work
- Working Remotely: Tips for Employee Success
FAQs
What is a Flexible Workplace?
A flexible workplace can mean many different plans depending on the role and function of the unit and individuals who make up its work force.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, some elements of a flexible plan may include:
- Flexible schedule
- Remote workspace
- Shared workspaces that focus on collaborative or creative interaction
- Reservable space at various locations on our campuses
- Rotating or variable schedules
A flexible workplace plan will vary based on how employees interact with the campuses they serve. For example, some offices that are primarily “back office” may be able to operate effectively with employees who are partially or fully remote. Other offices that are “front-facing” for student, colleagues, or the public, may be effective with modified remote schedule.
Some important terms related to flexible workplace plans:
- Remote Work - the practice of an employee working at their home, or in some other place that is not an organization's usual place of business.
- On-Site – The practice of employee working at the organization’s usual place of business. The employee may have a permanent work location, or a flexible work location made available to the department and schedulable by the employee.
- Hybrid Work - The practice of an employee practicing a combination of remote and on-site work as needed to perform the expectations of their job duties.
- Core Hours - Period of hours each day/week when department must be staffed at an appropriate level.
- Peak Periods - Cyclical times of the year when business activity or work volume is high during which the department must be staffed on site at specified level. Employees may be required to work on campus for their regular schedule. *
Why is OHIO initiating the Flexible Workplace Project (FWP)?
Traditionally Ohio University has been an on-site employer with our faculty and staff coming to their place of employment to perform their job duties. The COVID-19 pandemic required us to migrate most of our workforce to remote work to reduce the risk to our fellow Bobcats, the university invested in the tools and technologies to foster collaboration in our new remote workplace.
The Flexible Workplace project’s goal is to provide the institution with a set of policies and guidelines that will allow a manager to offer their employees a flexible work location as permitted by an employee’s job duties. This project began as a small pilot of offices but following the rapid shift to more remote work necessitated by the pandemic, the university decided to study, design, and implement a project for the entire university.
Some goals of the FWP:
- To meet changing needs of university and to support the interest of individual employees in a more flexible work environment
- Recruit and retain employees in areas of expertise that are in high demand or may be difficult to recruit locally
- To develop collaborative and creative environments that provide resources and workspaces that allow more flexibility than a standard private, shared office space, or conference rooms
- To reduce the university footprint by optimizing use of space
Who is eligible to participate?
All administrative and academic units are encouraged to explore whether some aspect of flexible workplace is applicable and appropriate for that unit. While some functions may only be completed in a campus location due to the type of work performed, the facilities or equipment needed, or the type of service provided, there may be some duties that may be performed on flexible schedules or with a flexible space arrangement. If you are interested in exploring a FW arrangement for yourself or your unit, please speak to your supervisor about your interests and ideas.
Employees must continue to meet the requirements of the position and the needs of the office or department. Employees working on-site or remote must be accountable for their performance regardless of the location or schedule worked.
All campuses may participate in FWP.
How can I get up-to-date information about the FWP?
If you are in the Early Adopter or second wave/cohort Group:
- Talk to your supervisor about your unit’s progress in the project
If you are interested in learning more about how to join a future phase of Flexible Workplace Project:
- Talk to supervisor about your unit’s options for flexible workplace planning
- Inquire with Flexible Workplace Project leads (Shawna Bolin Wolfe and Christopher Ament)
Will flexible workplace be available for faculty?
The FWP is currently focused on administrative units and offices. Departments, schools and programs that are interested in exploring opportunities may reach out to co-leads Chris Ament and Shawna Wolfe.