Policy Refresher about Staff Work Arrangements

University polices allow for alternative work arrangements in which Staff employees work full time, but in different configurations of hours. This article is a reminder that such arrangements are not only acceptable, but a potentially positive way to meet the childcare, family care, and other personal needs of employees while still permitting departments to operate in an efficient manner. In addition, departments that experience limitations of physical space or equipment may find this type of scheduling to their advantage.

Not every function is conducive to alternative arrangements because of the requirements of operating units. This should not deter supervisors from approving arrangements for positions where such scheduling can be accommodated. If work needs change or if service is impaired, alternative scheduling can be discontinued, temporarily suspended, or altered.
Below are brief descriptions of terms related to alternative work arrangements in use at IU. Specific policies for Staff employee groups can be found in personnel policy manuals.

Alternate work schedule. Employees work hours different from the standard scheduled hours of the operating unit such as a condensed work week (e.g., four, ten-hour days) on a fixed, regular basis.

Flex time or flexible schedule. At IU, flex time is when employees are permitted to alter their work hours on a daily basis provided they work the core hours established by the unit.

Adjusted lunch time. It is legal in Indiana and permissible for an employee to request and be granted permission to work through all or part of lunch to shorten the work day on an occasional basis.

Telecommuting. Telecommuting is work performed outside the customary office setting during part or all of the week and may be appropriate for some employees and some work.

All of these work arrangements require the approval of the supervisor, and in certain cases, Human Resources.