Frequently Asked Questions
Guiding Principles
As a manager, what should I be considering when I review remote work requests?
Remote work arrangements must be appropriate for the specific position and job duties. Not all positions are appropriate for remote work arrangements due to the nature of the role, the job duties, and the University’s needs.
Staff members must also meet the job performance criteria including no active corrective action and a minimum performance rating of 3 (successful) on the most recent performance evaluation to be eligible to request and remain approved for a remote work arrangement.
Will my remote work arrangement be subject to continued review?
A Manager will review approved remote work arrangements regularly, including during a staff member’s annual performance evaluation, to determine whether they should be continued.
I had an approved remote work arrangement prior to March 2020, and would like to continue that arrangement. Do I need to apply if I wish to continue with that arrangement?
Yes. Once the process is available the week of August 16th, you must resubmit your remote work arrangement through the electronic process. The form will allow you to indicate that you are submitting an approved and existing remote work arrangement.
If my manager approves my remote work request, am I entitled to that arrangement indefinitely?
No. Staff with approved remote work arrangements may be, from time to time, required to be on campus at times they are typically scheduled to work remotely. Additionally, organizational needs may require temporary suspension of a remote work arrangement to support unusual projects or conditions in the school, college, or department.
Managers will review approved remote work arrangements regularly, including during a staff member’s annual performance evaluation, to determine whether they should be continued.
Will the annual review of the remote work arrangement be solely at the manager’s discretion, or will there be guidelines for equal treatment across the University?
Unless there is a change in University policy, it would be at the manager’s discretion.
Will performance evaluations have to include rankings for who gets the remote work arrangement and who is denied? (What predicts successful remote workers?)
An employee needs a 3 or higher on their performance evaluation and no active corrective action in the past year.
Are represented employees covered by the Guidelines?
The Guidelines do not apply to staff who are members of a bargaining unit, unless otherwise agreed between the applicable union and the University.
Please note that the Remote Work Guidelines are applicable to those eligible University employees represented by UAW Local 2324 and SEIU Local 888, and members of these bargaining units have the opportunity to apply for and obtain remote work arrangements in accordance with these guidelines.
Process Elements
Must I be vaccinated to be eligible for remote work?
Compliance with all University Covid-19 policies and protocols (including providing proof of vaccination by September 2, 2021 unless a medical or religious exemption is granted) is an eligibility requirement for a remote work arrangement.
Can faculty members apply for a remote work arrangement?
No. The remote work arrangement is available only to Boston University staff members.
When can I apply for a remote work arrangement?
The process to apply for a remote work arrangement is currently being developed and will be ready August 16th. The instructions and link for this electronic process will be added to these webpages at that time.
When does my remote work arrangement start?
Once approved, you are able to start working remotely, in accordance with the University guidelines, on the date that you and your manager agree upon.
What if my remote work request is denied? Can I appeal this decision?
Yes. The
reconsideration process was developed so that individuals whose remote work request was denied can request reconsideration of that decision.
If my manager approves my remote work request, am I entitled to that arrangement indefinitely?
No. Staff with approved remote work arrangements may be, from time to time, required to be on campus at times they are typically scheduled to work remotely. Additionally, organizational needs may require temporary suspension of a remote work arrangement to support unusual projects or conditions in the school, college, or department.
Managers will review approved remote work arrangements regularly, including during a staff member’s annual performance evaluation, to determine whether they should be continued.
Work Outside of MA
I supervise staff in other states across the US. Do remote work guidelines apply to these staff?
Yes. If a staff member works in another BU site and they wish to work remotely, they will need to request a Remote Work Request Form through this process. The request will be reviewed in accordance with the guidelines, and if the requested remote work location is in a different state than the BU site, Human Resources will review the request in addition to the staff member’s manager and dean/vice president.
I supervise staff who work outside of the United States. Are staff assigned outside of the US eligible for remote work?
Remote work guidelines do not apply to staff working in locations outside of the United States.
Why do I need to indicate if my remote work location is not in Massachusetts?
There are tax implications when an employee is working outside of Massachusetts; the University needs to capture this information and inform Payroll if an employee is working outside of MA.
I will sometimes work remote in MA and sometimes work remote in Maine. How will I submit my time to my manager to report 8 hours from Maine and 8 hours from MA in the same pay period?
During the request process employees will declare their remote work location and days of the week at the location. Any out-of-state work will need to be reviewed and approved by HR for tax purposes.