Flex-time discussed by staff council

Current university policy states work hours are normally 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. However, department heads may allow deviation from those hours.

Flex-time, or flexible scheduling, allows staff members to request flexible work hours, when considered feasible by “appropriate management officials,” according to university policy.

Some of the flex-time benefits cited by the committee are reduced traffic congestion at peak hours; statistics show an increase in productivity as employees may work in tune with their biological clocks; overtime hours are often reduced; and employee morale tends to improve, thereby reducing turnover.

The committee recommended further development of the policy, including:

• Each supervisor/department head has the duty of administering flex-time and will be responsible for approving employee participation and flex hours. Hours of flexible scheduling should be pre-set by agreement of the employee and supervisor and adhered to as they would under non-flexible scheduling.
• Because of the nature of a staff member's position or for operational reasons, some staff members will not be able to participate in flex-time. If an employee disagrees with the supervisor's decision and/or feels unfairly treated, the employee has the right to air that grievance to the employee relations manager at the Department of Human Resources Management. If no satisfactory resolution can be reached, the employee has the right to request a hearing with the university grievance panel.
• Flex-time will be established on a trial basis of 60 days. Supervisors can review scheduling at the end of the trial period and approve flex-time on a permanent basis.
• Staff members needing close supervision because of disciplinary or performance-related considerations, or staff members who abuse flex-time, may be excluded from participation.

The council's recommendations will be submitted to Charles Sakwa, director of human resources, for action.