Stabilizing Flexible Work Agreements – confirming our “new normal;” planning for COVID-19 prevention
Stabilizing Flexible Work Agreements – confirming our “new normal”
For those of you who have not already done so, the time is coming to stabilize your long-term flexible work plans. Effective January 10, 2022, it is expected that all employees will be working in accordance with their signed Flexible Work Agreements (FWA). The Flexible Work Program has been in a pilot phase for the last six months and while many aspects of the program have been going well, we have received feedback from the ANR community requesting stabilization of scheduling and longer-term agreements where possible.
Previously submitted FWAs that had an expiration date on or before January 10, 2022 or that need to be amended in any way will require employees, supervisors and the unit Directors to:
- Complete and sign an updated agreement. Extensions will not occur automatically.
- All FWA's should be reviewed at least annually; however, end dates can be listed as: temporary or long term with end dates, or permanent with annual review.
- Unless otherwise approved, employees who have temporarily been working out-of-state will be expected to return to their official posts of duty by January 10th.
If you have questions or concerns about your FWA, please discuss your situation with your supervisor.
Human Resources will not be requesting copies of the FWA extensions/amendments at this time; however, they must be retained on file locally. They are working toward developing a new process to approve and track Flexible Work Agreements, with anticipated roll-out in Spring 2022. The new process will facilitate a quicker review and less manual tracking.
Planning for COVID-19 prevention in the new year
As we enjoy the holiday break, many of us will be traveling or visiting family and friends. CDC and CDPH have guidance for keeping yourself and others safe and reducing transmission of illness:
- Get vaccinated. It's the best way to protect yourself and others.
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms – don't expose others.
- Keep gatherings small. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
- Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth in indoor public settings:
- If you are not fully vaccinated.
- If you are in an area with substantial to high transmission rates.
If you travel or attend large family gatherings over the holidays, please plan to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to work. Employees who have an approved or pending exemption from UC's COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy must be tested weekly and should plan to get tested before returning to work after the holidays. For information about how to find testing in your community, see our Testing Resources Guide.
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been the subject of a lot of media attention over the past week. Public health organizations are studying this variant to determine if Omicron has different transmission or disease characteristics, or impacts effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics or public health measures. At this time, there have been no changes in general guidance or measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection. We will continue to monitor this evolving situation and will update guidance and workplace safety protocols if necessary. See the CDPH Omicron Fact Sheet for more information.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
Glenda Humiston
Vice President