Modern Workplace Initiative Update

Bill Brady, vice chancellor and chief human resources officer, sent an email to UMass Amherst staff with an update on the Modern Work Initiative, sharing that all flexible work agreements (FWAs) would be extended indefinitely.

That email is as follows:  

Dear Colleagues, 
 
I am writing today with a brief update on the university’s Modern Workplace Initiative and our effort to build a framework for hybrid and remote work. Over the summer, we notified the campus that we were extending all Flexible Work Agreements (FWA) that were currently in place through October 1, 2022. 

During this time, the Office of Human Resources created flexible work guidelines, which we are now discussing with union representatives. These guidelines will not replace any language currently in collective bargaining agreements, but instead attempt to provide greater clarity around flexible work and the responsibilities of both departments and employees.   

As the university is fully committed to utilizing flex-work as a tool to retain and attract staff, there is no need for another temporary extension of FWAs. All current FWAs are extended indefinitely, though subject to the existing agreements’ modification and rescission provisions. New FWAs can be completed using the FWA form. As a reminder, all FWAs are subject to conditions which should be reviewed by employees and supervisors.

During the fall, the Office of Human Resources will be partnering with the UMass Amherst Information Technology to build an online process for creating, updating, and maintaining flexible work agreements. Accurate record-keeping is an important component to the success of a flexible work framework, as it helps ensure that the university and employees are in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.   

In the coming months, we expect the new online portal to go live and the guidelines to be finalized in partnership with our staff unions.  All employees who have a Flexible Work Agreement will then be asked to utilize the online portal to enter their flexible work agreements and to indicate that they have read the newly finalized guidelines.   

Our success in implementing flexible work is a direct reflection of the dedication and talent of our staff, who day after day demonstrate their commitment to our students and the entire UMass community.  Thank you for everything you do. 

Regards,  

Bill Brady 

Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer