Flexible Working Arrangements

Carleton University recognizes the benefits of having Flexible Working Arrangements (FWAs) to support its professional services staff (permanent, non-academic employees, both unionized and non-unionized) and to increase its ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. Successful workplace flexibility meets the needs of both the organization and its staff.

Policy

Carleton’s Flexible Work Arrangements policy went into effect July 1, 2022. The FWA policy defines the type of FWAs currently approved and provides guidelines for the proper construction and monitoring of such arrangements. Please review this policy before setting any FWAs. The policy can be found on the University Secretariat website.

Benefits

FWAs offer numerous benefits for both our staff and the University. FWAs can lead to greater work-life balance, which can result in greater employee satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, increased retention, enhanced individual performance, and higher productivity levels. FWAs can also be a key factor in the attraction, retention, and motivation of high-performing and experienced employees.

For areas of the University that can meet departmental requirements while allowing some workplace flexibility, encouraging such flexibility not only helps employees maintain work-life balance but also increases the University’s ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

Considerations

Carleton University values collaboration, teamwork, and timely client response. To facilitate this, the on-Campus presence of professional services staff between the hours of 8:30 to 4:30, Monday to Friday is normally required; however, the University also recognizes that FWAs can have a positive effect on employees’ health and well-being while still meeting its operational needs. While flexibility is encouraged, being physically present on campus will remain an important part of our employees’ work life.

Following an employee’s request, the process for determining FWAs will be informed by a careful review that includes an assessment of the needs and operational requirements of the University and the department/unit, and the type of work being done by the position. The student experience, course delivery and research are fundamental to the University’s mandate and must be the central consideration for all flexibility decisions.

Types of Approved FWAs

The three forms of FWAs currently approved for professional services staff are Flexible Hours, Hybrid Remote and Full Remote or a combination thereof. Note that some staff may have provisions in their collective agreement or employment contract that provide additional forms of FWAs. Please refer to your collective agreement or contract for guidance on any FWAs not covered in the Flexible Working Arrangements Policy.

Ad hoc (irregular, without the expectation of continuing) requests for FWAs are at the discretion of the department and do not require a formal agreement. Such requests could include working from home one day because of inclement weather or temporarily working from home to complete a major project.