(A)
Shawnee state
recognizes the value of flexible work options, and understands that offering
flexible work arrangements can result in improved productivity, recruitment and
retention of top talent, and improved employee satisfaction. Offering workplace
flexibility is a strategy for using resources most efficiently and providing
the best environment for supporting staff while meeting the university's
needs.
(B)
Purpose
The purpose of this rule is to provide
a structure and guidelines to support flexible work arrangements at the
university, enabling managers to balance the operational and educational
demands of the university with the preferred work arrangements of eligible
employees. The goal of flexible work arrangements is to improve employee
wellness by creating better work-life balance and improving employee
recruitment and retention while maintaining a productive, efficient work
environment.
(C)
Policy scope
This rule applies to all university
personnel, unless specifically excluded based on job duties or the scheduling
demands of the university. This rule does not apply to faculty, students, or
other temporary employees.
(D)
Policy
statement
(1)
Flexible work arrangements should be implemented in a fair
and equitable manner throughout the university, but eligibility depends on job
responsibilities, service obligations, and departmental needs.
(2)
Flexible work
arrangements are a discretionary benefit to eligible employees based on the
needs of the university; such arrangements should not be viewed as automatic or
permanent in light of the varying roles and responsibilities of employees and
changing needs of the university over time.
(3)
The primary
criterion for determining approval of a flexible work arrangement for any
employee shall be whether the arrangement meets the business needs of the
department and university. Flexible work arrangements may be appropriate for
staff in some positions and departments but may not be possible for all. While
acknowledging that not every position is appropriate for a flexible work
arrangement, supervisors, department heads, and vice presidents should strive
to ensure reasonable and equitable access to these options. Vice presidents
should ensure that flexible work arrangements are offered in a manner that does
not violate the university's policies against discrimination. Careful
consideration should be given to create a flexible work arrangement that will
set the employee and the unit or department up for success.
(4)
Flexible work
arrangements need to ensure the delivery of quality service to our students,
employees and external constituents, and that the university maintains a
vibrant and connected campus community.
(5)
Flexible work
arrangements are to be documented and regularly evaluated, and are subject to
termination in accordance with the accompanying procedure. The university
reserves the right to require, deny, alter or cease flexible arrangements based
on the unit's business needs, the individual's work performance, and other
relevant factors.
(6)
The approval of a remote work plan and other flexible
work arrangements is not a right of an employee and it also does not change the
terms and conditions of employment with the university. Employees with flexible
work arrangements remain subject to applicable university policies and
procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and federal and state
laws.
(7)
Flexible work arrangements are not appropriate nor
required for occasional, nonroutine flexibility in work hours or
location.
(8)
The university may permit variations of flexible work
arrangements that modify the provisions set forth in this rule or accompanying
procedure in response to a short- or long-term university declared emergency or
other operational or educational needs. Any such declaration or need will be
communicated to the affected employees, as well as any permitted variations,
depending on the nature of the emergency or university need.
Notes
Ohio Admin. Code 3362-4-65
Effective:
2/27/2023
Promulgated Under:
111.15
Statutory
Authority: 111.15
Rule
Amplifies: 3362.03
