The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is committed to an equitable, flexible work environment while continuing to foster a vibrant environment conducive to collaboration, creativity, diversity, and vitality. Employees are encouraged to seek out flexibility that increases their wellness, engagement, satisfaction, and productivity while continuing to deliver highly effective services to all stakeholders. Managers are encouraged to work with their employees on the same goals.
Regular Hours
Your regular hours should be worked out with your supervisor and abide by the following guidelines: a) Hours must comport with the nature of the position, especially when in a customer service role; b) Unless by special arrangement, you should be scheduled to work 8 hours each day (M-F), with an additional 30-60 minute unpaid break midday; and c) Workdays should start between 6:00 am and 10:00 am.
Vacation
Planned vacations or other leaves of 3 or more days should be communicated to all staff before the leave begins by sending an email to ece-staff@umn.edu. Any absence should be entered onto the ECE Staff VSL calendar, which is shared with all ECE staff. Enter any absences into the top "day" section of the calendar and indicate only your name and whether you are "out" or "training". Half-days should also be indicated.
Remote Work
Remote work of up to 16 hours per week is allowed for all employees unless the job duties do not allow for it. Be sure to follow these procedures:
Fill out and seek appropriate approvals on the Work. With Flexibility Form linked to below. Note: This is a pilot program through December of 2021 and will be evaluated in the Fall of 2021 for effectiveness by the department, college, and university.
Please be sure to put a sign on your door that posts your remote work schedule with instructions on how to be reached via phone when remote. Either providing your cell phone or forwarding your office phone is appropriate.
Tardiness
If you are late for work or need to leave early, you can do one of the following: a) take vacation, unpaid leave, or sick leave as appropriate for the time missed; b) make up the time during the same day; or c) make arrangements with your supervisor to make up the time. Any time made up needs to be completed in the same pay period.
Occasional Flexible Days
Employees will have occasional appointments, other personal demands, or days that they suspect they might be contagious with a minor unknown illness that does not make it too uncomfortable to work. These times can be accommodated by use of a flexible schedule or remote work. This is allowed as long as the employee’s work responsibilities can still be accomplished. If the frequency remains low, occasional flexible days do not need to be documented with a formal Work. With Flexibility agreement, but supervisor pre-approval is required.