Policies & Procedures

PA3016 Remote Work Program Policy – Emergency, Extraordinary or Adverse Situations

Purpose

The purpose of the remote work policy is to provide an alternative work option for campus divisions or departments to achieve and support projects, work assignments, and/or other important activities that may affect the mission of the College during an emergency, extraordinary or adverse situation. The policy is intended to provide important parameters for the determination of remote work assignments and those individuals who are appropriate candidates for conducting such activities during emergency, extraordinary, or adverse situations such as due to extreme weather, a declared public emergency or a pandemic, as determined and authorized by the President of the College.

Parameters for Remote Work Assignments

The parameters of duties for employees who are working remotely should be defined within a reasonable and agreed upon work schedule and should not imply that employees are expected to work during hours that exceed the days and times that have been agreed upon between the employee and the supervisor. The employee shall have regularly scheduled work hours agreed upon with the supervisor, including specific core hours and telephone accessibility. Communication by telephone and electronic mail with the College must be available during work hours and voice mail and email must be checked regularly. The work schedule shall be consistent with the operational needs of the employee’s department and shall follow the same supervisory process as if work were being performed in the workplace. All assignments shall be at the express direction of the supervisor or in consultation with the supervisor.

Meetings, Training, and Supervisor Interaction

If conditions permit, the employee will attend job-related meetings, training sessions and conferences, as requested by the supervisor. In addition, the employee may be required to attend meetings on short notice. Every effort will be made to hold virtual meetings whenever possible.

Approval of Remote Work Requests

A request for remote work must receive final written approval by the Division Vice President and the document must be filed with the Human Resources Department prior to remote work commencing.

Goals

The policy is ultimately intended to provide guidance so that collaborative remote work agreements between supervisor and employee can be articulated and outline clearly defined work products and expectations that ultimately support and assist a division or department in supporting the College’s mission and strategic goals during emergency, extraordinary or adverse situations. Remote work tasks should generally meet the following criteria:

• Have clearly articulated goals and quantifiable outcomes
• Can be accomplished remotely, enhancing the quality of the work product and/or outcome or the College’s capacity to effectively provide student and faculty support
• Will not adversely affect work quality, productivity, or the needs of the College
• Support attainment of the College’s mission and strategic goals
• Should not result in more than minimal expense to the College or greater expense to the College than if they were performed at the campus

All SUNY Broome and departmental policies, procedures, and standards of conduct that apply to employees working on campus apply when an employee works remotely. Remote work is not suitable or practical for all work or all positions. It is generally not an option for positions involving or requiring a high level of direct, face-to-face contact or requiring use of tools, equipment, or information that is available only at the College work site.

Eligibility Characteristics

Employees and Supervisors considered for remote work should be those who tend to exhibit the characteristics described in the table below.

Employee Accommodations

Written requests for employee accommodations shall be submitted to the Human Resources Department and will be reviewed, a determination made and managed via the Human Resources Department on an individual, case-by-case basis.