Flexible work arrangements are work schedules other than the traditional 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. A variety of arrangements are described below.
- For full details on flexible work arrangements, or directions for setting up a formal telecommuting or compressed work week agreement, see the UCSD Guide to Flexible Work Arrangements for Staff (PDF).
- To request a flexible work arrangement, please see the following appendices:
- Appendix A: Alternate Work Schedule Agreement
- Appendix B: Telecommuting Agreement (required to telecommute)
- Appendix C: Safety Checklist for Home Offices (required to telecommute)
Types
Flexible work arrangements can include:
- Telecommuting: Telecommuting is a work arrangement in which the employee performs some assigned job duties at home. The employee and supervisor may communicate by e-mail, phone, modem, fax, or pager.
- Alternative work hours: Employees may be granted approval by their department head to work a certain number of hours each day, but the hours of work may vary from the "traditional" schedule. Such arrangements typically include a fixed core period each day. Examples for an employee who works a five-day workweek might include 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., or 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (all with a half-hour lunch).
- Compressed work week: The employee works a full week's schedule in less than five days. This may include three 12-hour days, four 10-hour days, or any other combination.
Note: In compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations, only exempt employees are eligible for 9/80 work schedules
- Job sharing: Two employees share a single full-time position. Example: two employees share a job where one person works 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each Monday and Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, while the other works from 12:30—4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
Benefits
Possible benefits of alternative work arrangements include:
- Ability to better balance work and personal responsibilities
- Reduced absences and tardiness
- Improved coverage and scheduling for the department
- Improved morale, commitment and productivity resulting from support for personal work style preferences
- Potential to maximize office space options
- Improved transportation and parking options
- Uninterrupted time for creative, repetitive or highly detailed work
- Expanded use of equipment
- Improved scheduling for peak workloads
- Increased cross training
- Enhanced retention
- Enhanced recruitment
- Recognition and reward incentive