Frequently Asked Questions
Guiding Principles
What is a Remote Work Request Form?
A Remote Work Request Form is a form that can be used to request a Flexible Work Arrangement, which includes hybrid work, fully remote work, and modified work schedules. Flexible work arrangements may be allowed on an ongoing basis, a seasonal basis (e.g., for periods outside the fall and spring semesters), or for other specific time periods based on school, college, and department needs.
I supervise staff in other states across the US. Do flexible work guidelines apply to these staff?
BU staff work in an established location, which are work locations within the U.S. For any work location that is not considered an established location, HR will verify payroll, tax, and other compliance considerations before confirming that staff can work in a non-established location.
I supervise staff who work outside of the United States. Are staff assigned outside of the US eligible for flexible work?
Flexible work guidelines do not apply to staff working in locations outside of the United States.
What do I need to now do for flexible work arrangements that have been in place prior to August 16, 2021?
Flexible work arrangements in effect prior to August 16, 2021, must be submitted on the OnBase Flexible Work form. In considering whether a job is eligible for flexible work, every request will be subject to the same set of flexible work eligibility criteria.
Can staff who are foreign nationals have a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement?
Hybrid and remote work arrangements for foreign nationals must comply with the University’s Guidelines for Flexible Staff Work Arrangements and must be documented in university immigration sponsorship to ensure regulatory compliance. Departments employing foreign nationals should notify ISSO prior to approving flexible work arrangements in accordance with the ISSO’s
Flexible Work Procedures for Foreign Nationals.
How long will approval take once my supervisor approves my flexible work arrangement?After approval from your supervisor, your flexible work arrangement request is effective on the first day of flexible work.
How will my supervisor and I know that my approved flexible work arrangement is successful?As a thriving, residential research community, success in flexible work will first be measured by meeting students’ needs and having a consistent presence on campus for our students every day. In addition, you and your supervisor will have interactions where communications aren’t delayed for decision making and for you to engage in meetings, discussions, and decisions with your supervisor, team members, and other colleagues across the BU community. For more information on managing in a hybrid/flexible work environment, please access learning resources
here.
How will the flexible work schedule work if I want to work a 4-day, 10-hour/day work week?
You will need to work with your manager about any flexible work schedule to ensure that the student needs and/or business needs are able to accommodate your proposed flexible schedule. Again, the decision will be up to your supervisor based on operational needs.
I cannot access the Remote Work Request Form. Where can I find help?
You can access the form with your Kerberos password. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the OnBase Flexible Work form, please contact the IS&T Help Desk at ithelp@bu.edu.
Am I currently on a leave of absence and may need to extend my leave, am I eligible for flexible work?
To ensure your safety and ability to focus on your priorities during your leave, you will not be eligible to work a flexibly if you are approved for a leave of absence.
I am new to BU. Am I eligible for flexible work?
Newly hired members of the BU community may request flexible work and supervisors may approve flexible work for a trial period. Please refer to the guidelines for future details.
Am I required to change my flexible work arrangement if my supervisor wants the team to be on campus on certain days?
Yes, you may be asked to modify your flexible work arrangement on specific days that in-person responsibilities or meetings will be held or when specific events require you to be present on campus.