About OHIO FlexWork
Ohio University successfully developed and implemented a flexible workplace model that adapts to evolving team and university needs, fosters collaboration, and balances individual focus with collective work. This project leveraged early adopters to create innovative, scalable, and financially sustainable workplace models that integrated virtual and physical environments. In addition to designing prototype spaces, the initiative provided a framework for teams to navigate key decisions and ensure positive outcomes.
Success Measures
Our success will be measured by:
- Development of practices and processes that are sustainable, adaptable, and able to scale for units to more easily embrace flex work environments
- Increased employee engagement, retention, and productivity
- Use campus space more efficiently and realize expense reduction
- Increasing creative and serendipitous collaborations beyond usual/typical networks
What’s in scope
- Identification and resolution of issues that arise from the implementation of this model among early adopters.
- Identification of issues that need to be resolved or opportunities that could be realized but are not required for successful implementation by early adopters.
What’s not in scope
- Resolution of issues that need to be resolved or opportunities that could be realized but are not required for successful implementation by early adopters.
- Resolution of impacts of flexible work or the pandemic.
Implementation
A cross-functional set of working groups addressed the key questions and challenges during the transformation of our workplace, making recommendations that laid the foundation for the flexible workplace model now in use across Ohio University.
The following units ("early adopters") played a crucial role in utilizing this framework to transition to a flexible workplace:
- Office of Information Technology
- University Planning
- Culinary Services
- Finance
- Design and Construction
- Budget Planning and Analysis
- Real Estate
- Foundation Accounting
- University Advancement
- Instructional Innovation
- VP Research
- Graduate College
Founding Teams and Contributors to the FlexWork Initiative
The FlexWork initiative, including FlexSpace design and planning, has successfully been completed. The following individuals and teams were instrumental in its development and implementation.
Roles listed reflect contributions made during the FlexWork project's active phase.
Steering Group
The steering groups was responsible for oversight of the flexible workplace project and was accountable for the success of the project. Any changes to the scope of work or strategy were to be reviewed by the steering for decision.
Members:
- Chris Ament (Project Sponsor), Chief Information Officer
- Shawna Wolfe (Project Sponsor), Associate Vice President, University Planning
- Breanna Clark, IT Project Manager II
- Brad Cohen, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
- Candy Johnson, Executive Assistant
- Miranda Kridler, Senior Planner
- Candi Morris, Associate Vice Provost for Instructional Innovation
- Laura Myers, Deputy Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
Flex Space Design Team
The flex space design team designed physical spaces that support varied types of work and have the necessary accoutrements for a safe, productive work environment.
Members:
- Miranda Kridler (co-lead), Senior Planner
- Candi Morris (co-lead), Associate Vice Provost for Instructional Innovation
- Jill Bateman, Digital Accessibility Coordinator
- Amy Dean, Deputy Athletic Director
- Kaelyn Ferris, President of Graduate Student Senate
- Dan Harper, Assistant Professor of Art and Design
- Brandon Saunders, Assistant Professor of Instruction
- Gem Stone, Project Manager
Space Access Team
The space access team developed strategies that ensure people can find and utilize spaces that meet their needs.
Members:
- Brad Cohen (co-lead), Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
- Miranda Kridler (co-lead), Senior Planner
- Dominick Brook, Director of Real Estate
- Joe Carver, Director of eLearning Student and Academic Services
- Candy Johnson, Executive Assistant
- Kevin Zhang, IT Service Owner
- Dusty Kilgour, Executive Director of Event Services
Workforce Team
The workforce team addressed the impact on people and our HR management processes, practices, and policies.
Members:
- Chris Ament (co-lead), Chief Information Officer
- Colleen Bendl (co-lead), Chief Human Resource Officer
- Brad Cohen, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
- Tim Epley, Associate Director of Business Operations
- Chris Hayes, Manager, Enterprise Middleware & Integration
- Candy Johnson, Executive Assistant
- Amber Mock, Manager, Project Support
- Sherry Rossiter, Bursar
- Nick Wortman, Senior Director of HR Services
Financials Team
The financials team addressed finance and budget issues directly related to the implementation of a flexible workplace and ensured consistent articulation of impacts at the unit level.
Members:
- Shawna Wolfe (co-lead), Associate Vice President, University Planning
- Laura Myers (co-lead), Deputy Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
- Julie Allison, Associate Vice President, Finance
- Kelly Broughton, Assistant Dean for Research and Education Services
- Katie Hensel, Budget Director
- Rosanna Howard, Director of Budget and Operations for Regional Higher Education
- Tia Hysell, Director of Transportation and Parking Services
- Tina Payne, VPFA Chief Finance and Administration Officer
- Florenz Plassmann, Dean of Arts and Sciences
- Deb Shaffer, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
Change Management
The change management group supported the adoption of practices, policies, and processes recommended by the other four working groups. The focus of change management was to help people prepare for change, manage the change, and reinforce the change.
Members:
- Candi Morris (co-lead), Associate Vice Provost for Instructional Innovation
- Laura Myers (co-lead), Deputy Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
- Carissa Anderson, Associate Dean of Regional Higher Education
- Jennifer Bowie, Chief of Staff to the Vice President of University Advancement
- Jenny Hall-Jones, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs
- Jennifer Kirksey, Chief of Staff
- Carly Leatherwood, Executive Director of Communication
- Todd Myers, Professor and Chair of Engineering Technology & Management
- Neil Romanosky, Dean of University Libraries
- Mary Tucker, Professor of Management