UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As 2022 begins, the Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) University Implementation team is drafting a new policy on staff flexible work arrangements to be implemented University-wide. In response to the work of the Remote Work Task Force, Penn State leadership committed to formally integrating flexible work arrangements for staff into overall workforce operations. Regardless of the pandemic, flexible work arrangements will become an established option for many staff positions, as outlined in a new University policy.
Throughout the remainder of the year and leading up to a launch in the fall 2022 semester, the team is developing resources to help units, colleges and campuses increase flexible work opportunities for staff while meeting all business and service needs. These efforts are intended to support areas that already have a flexible work strategy, while guiding areas without flexible work options toward developing an approach that suits their unique needs. Transitional guidance announced during the fall 2021 semester can continue to be utilized, with exemptions to on-site work approved at the unit level based on business needs.
Policy and guidance
Developed by the FWA University Implementation team, the new flexible work policy will be a foundational tool that offers areas across the University authority to act in developing strategy for flexible work arrangements. The policy will define flexible work as an overarching term that encompasses work arrangements best suited to the needs of the University with consideration for the employee in their effort to balance the demands of work and life.
Examples of flexible work arrangements can include permanent remote work (working from home), a hybrid work schedule (working both on-site and from home), temporary telework (working from a place other than the established workplace), flexible schedules, and more that will be laid out in the new HR policy. In addition to the policy, the implementation team will develop related resources, such as training materials, and conduct evaluation and assessment activities.
Next steps
The FWA University Implementation team plans to launch the new staff flexible work policy and related resources by the beginning of the fall 2022 semester. The policy will be made available prior to the start of the fall 2022 semester but will take effect on Monday, Aug. 22. The implementation team is developing plans to prepare the Penn State community for the launch of the new policy and will share more details on educational and engagement opportunities in the ensuing months.