Earlier this week, William D. Brady,vice chancellor and chief human resources officer, sent an email to the campus community outlining the details of the August 2nd return to on-campus work and addressing the future of workplace flexibility.
That email is as follows:
Dear Colleagues –
As the semester comes to a successful conclusion, I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication this year. I am writing to you today to provide some information on various workplace matters, including how and when we will resume our on-campus functions. Additional information can be found on HR’s Fall 2021 website.
Preparing for the Fall Semester
As we prepare for a resumption of normal operations, it is clear that there will be a significant amount of preparation necessary to ensure that our campus is ready to welcome back our students for the fall semester. Additionally, following the announcement made by Governor Baker in late April, the Commonwealth has set August 1st as the date that all industry-specific restrictions will be lifted and 100% building capacity will be allowed.
For these reasons, the University has identified August 2, 2021, as the date by which staff should return fully to their normal, on-campus routine. However, in order to meet certain operational needs, some campus units may require staff to resume on-campus work schedules earlier than August 2nd. Supervisors are encouraged to work with employees to phase in on-campus work, such as providing opportunities for employees to work hybrid and remote schedules in the weeks leading up to a full-time return to campus.
While we have a lot to do over the summer to prepare, it is also important for everyone to take a bit of a break. Some of the realities of the pandemic include social isolation, deferred family visits, and canceled vacations. As vaccinations become more readily available and travel restrictions lessen, staff should work with their supervisors to identify opportunities to take some time off over the summer.
Prioritizing Public Health
The University is strongly encouraging all employees to get vaccinated as soon as possible. You can even get vaccinated on campus! The University will continue to monitor state and federal public health guidance and refine workplace expectations accordingly. It is too early to know exactly what public health regulations will be in place for fall, particularly with regard to any higher education-specific guidance. Though the University does not expect to make widespread modifications to workspaces or office layouts, specific concerns should be brought to your supervisor who can consult with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, if necessary.
Workplace Flexibility
The campus has committed to a return to face-to-face instruction and on-campus living and activity for our students. To ensure that students are fully supported in this transition back to campus, it is important for all staff to resume on-campus work.
There is little doubt that the necessity of remote operations during the pandemic has caused many organizations, UMass included, to reassess how remote and hybrid work should be viewed. Allowing for varying levels of flexibility can increase employee satisfaction and engagement and provide opportunities for UMass to successfully compete for talented, diverse job candidates. However, identifying and managing hybrid and remote work opportunities that are appropriate and equitable is a complex process, requiring additional data collection and consultation. It is important to note that the transition to remote work over the last year was made at a time of crisis when our campus was not at capacity, so it is not realistic to use that experience as a true working model going forward. Our efforts to envision the future of work here on campus will be undertaken in the next 12-18 months.
In the meantime, while we expect the majority of employees to return to campus, it is understood that rare exceptions will need to be made. Staff with certain medical conditions who have concerns about their return to work may seek an accommodation. Further, staff who choose not to receive a vaccine due to religious beliefs should contact HR at COVID19HR@umass.edu to discuss your return to campus. Employees who have a compelling need for additional flexibility in the fall due to specific personal circumstances should consult with their department with the understanding that any flexible work arrangements will be temporary and must be approved by the Provost or relevant Vice Chancellor.
The pandemic has had real and lasting effects on many of us. It has been a storm that we weathered not just through the passing of time but through the support of the campus community. I want to give a special thank you to the leadership of our staff unions who have continued to engage the university in important conversations.
Now is the time for us to begin writing the next chapter. I hope we can use many of the lessons learned during the pandemic to build a better workplace going forward.
William D. Brady
Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer
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May 21, 2021 at 01:25AM
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Update for Staff on Fall 2021 and our Return to Work - UMass News and Media Relations
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