As we incorporate many of the lessons learned over the past two years into our operations and our work, we are pleased to introduce a Remote Work Policy that will come into effect this fall.
As we anticipate a more fulsome return to on-campus operations in the Fall term, and as we pursue the areas of focus associated with our new strategic plan – including significant growth in our team over the next few years — the new policy supports a more flexible workplace through employee-requested remote working arrangements where operational requirements allow.
While we are leveraging our recent experience with remote work to bring added flexibility to our workplace, we remain a place-based organization focused on our students’ academic success and overall experience, the foundation for which are the campus-based programs, services and atmosphere that we provide. Working together on campus is also an important part of our organizational culture and our ability to collaborate, innovate and engage with one another. While the new policy allows employees to request remote working arrangements, as of the Fall term, on-campus work will be the default work setting.
Eligibility and employee responsibilities:
While all employee groups are eligible, there are clear and consistent criteria that managers will use when considering remote work requests.
The operational needs of the department and the College are key, and the duties related to the role and the individual must be suitable for remote work. Managers will also consider equipment and technology requirements, and all departmental needs, including on-campus activities, meetings, projects and other competing considerations.
An employee requesting a remote working arrangement must also have access to a suitable remote workspace, this includes a space that is ergonomically sound, free of distractions, with access to high-speed Internet (minimum dedicated upload and download speed of 5 Mbps). As part of an approved Remote Work Arrangement, the employee must be available via phone, email and video during work hours that are determined by the manager, and employees working with sensitive information must be able to demonstrate that their remote workspace is secure.
Information Technology Services continues to replace most computers with laptops for added mobility. Under the Remote Work Policy, employees will be provided with one outfitted workstation – one or two monitors, docking station, keyboard/mouse – either on campus or for use at the remote work setting. For employees with an approved remote work arrangement, desk sharing and/or hoteling options within the department may be implemented, as determined by the manager. ITS and FMS are creating college-wide touchdown and hoteling spaces on each campus to be available as needed.
Initially, Remote Work Arrangements will be approved on a term-by-term basis, and the maximum amount of remote work permitted at this time is 50% over the course of the term.
The full policy and procedure can be found here. It’s important to note that there may be instances where remote working arrangements are initiated by the manager – in areas where there are space limitations, for example. These exceptions will fall outside of the remote work policy.
Timelines
Employees can submit requests at any time before June 17. Managers will review, evaluate and respond to requests by July 22. The policy – and approved Remote Work Arrangements – come into effect September 5. The Remote Work Policy, Procedure and Remote Workspace Employee Self-Assessment form can be found here. The self-assessment form must be completed, including the remote work arrangement request details, and returned via email to the manager.
| Employees Submit Requests | May 25 to June 17 |
| Managers review, evaluate and respond to requests | June 20 to July 22 |
| Employees approved for remote work make appropriate arrangements in advance of the Fall term | Late July/August |
| Remote Work Policy in effect | September 5 |
Further information regarding the Remote Work Policy is available online at www.niagaracollege.ca/hr/remotework.
The past two years have been a time of significant transition for our college community and we’ve demonstrated remarkable resilience, agility and innovation in meeting the challenges associated with these extraordinary times. As we look forward, the Remote Work Policy is designed to respond to the flexibility that staff have indicated an interest in while maintaining a focus on our student-focused and collaborative organizational culture, which will continue to be our key strength as we adapt to the challenges and opportunities in the recovery period that lies ahead.
