Summer Remote and Flex Work Pilot Yields Positive Feedback; Pilot to Resume in October

The summer flexible and remote work pilot has yielded positive feedback from our campus community, while also giving employees and managers a chance to experiment and learn what works and what doesn't. As a result, the pilot will conclude as originally scheduled on Aug. 8 to prepare for the start of the academic year and resume on Oct. 1, if a unit leader chooses.

As units prepare for record enrollments, our employees are called for an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to support a successful start to the academic year. Once the semester is underway and there is a better understanding of how work flexibility may support student success and retention during the academic year, unit leaders can re-engage the pilot on or about October 1. From October through the December holiday break, participating teams will be able to experiment with hybrid work (some days working on campus and some days working off campus), compressed schedules, and flexible schedules within expanded operational hours.

"As a residential campus, until we fully know the demands of the fall with our increased enrollment, it makes sense to pause and recalibrate," said Margaret Sova McCabe, senior advisor for strategic projects, and chair of the Remote and Flexible Work Task Force. "We can then ensure our sustained ability to provide service in real time to our growing number of students, faculty and staff. Having an opportunity to pilot flexibility during the academic year is important so that we can continue to learn what works for our campus environment and our employees."

Between Aug. 8 and Oct. 1, campus employees will have time to acclimate to record enrollment, and managers will have time to consider and design flexible schedules that prioritize student success, campus operations and employee satisfaction. The Remote and Flex Work Taskforce will continue to meet in coming months to make recommendations for long-term adoption of workplace flexibility at the University of Arkansas.

"Unit leaders and managers are encouraged to dialogue with employees about this important topic and planning for the start of the semester," said McCabe.

The Flexible and Remote Work Policy 412.3 remains in effect. The policy continues to govern both short-term and long-term flexibility requests. In the next few weeks, employees will receive additional information about the academic year pilot and additional resources to help both employees and managers successfully navigate flexible work options.