Employee Resources

Owned by Ashlee Neumann
Last updated: Jul 01, 2021
3 min read

CNS will continue to iterate and improve upon these resources and guidelines through early July. 

Please provide feedback via this online form.

The following resources aim to support employees in navigating a safe return to campus, considering flexible work arrangements, and/or working within a hybrid team. 

Prior to having a conversation with your supervisor we recommend thinking through the reflection questions and previewing the CNS Guidelines. 

At the meeting to discuss what returning to campus will look like be sure to: 

  1. Center the conversation on the work and the University mission not personal preference (yours or the supervisor's)
  2. Agree upon clear expectations for fall schedules:
    1. Work location(s) 
    2. Work hours 
    3. Communication on/ off campus 
    4. Checking-in on time/work on/off campus 
  3. Agree upon clear expectations for the transition to fall schedules:
    1. Specify transition timeline and dates
    2. Account for IT updates, equipment transfers/needs, cleaning, etc.
    3. Stagger transitions and implement gradually to avoid overwhelming and drastic schedule changes
    4. Create positive, community-focused touchpoints for initial returns to campus to combat anxiety and/or uncertainties (e.g., in-person connections for first returns to campus)
  4. Schedule time for follow-up on working arrangements at least every six months 
  5. Provide and request candid feedback as needed 

When meeting with your supervisor to discuss hybrid work think through what their concerns could be. Source: Visual Capitalist

Scope, Expectations, and Limitations 

These preliminary guidelines for work arrangements apply to all CNS staff positions.  First-line supervisors will determine which in-scope job function(s) are eligible for remote/hybrid work, flexible schedules or other arrangements.   

Anticipated IT Support Needs 

The initial return to campus is likely to require IT support of updating and trouble-shooting equipment, especially if it has been unused for long periods of time. It is strongly encouraged to give significant advanced notice to IT for support requests, and staggering initial returns to campus is advised. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time of transition. The CNS IT team has provided this guide to returning to campus technology after COVID-19 remote work with step-by-step suggestions. For IT questions related to your return to campus, please visit: https://cns.utexas.edu/information-technology/help-desk

Technology Requirements  

Remote or hybrid work arrangements should account for technology requirements. Additional guidance will be provided in the final recommendations but at the outset include but are not limited to the following: 

  • Internet: Employees are responsible for providing internet connectivity and bandwidth that allow them to work effectively from remote locations. Technical requirements may vary depending on an employee’s function and the technology required for essential job functions. 
  • Standard IT services: The university is responsible for providing standard IT services, technology and training to support remote work. 
  • Equipment: Computers and other equipment required to perform the essential functions of the job should be provided by the org/unit unless the employee requests to use personal equipment. Approval for equipment requests should be managed at the unit level. 
  • Data security: Employees with access to sensitive data are responsible for maintaining the security of that data while working remotely. 
  • Existing policies: All university and departmental IT policies apply in remote, hybrid, or on-campus work situations. 

Telework and Flexible Work Tools: https://it.utexas.edu/telework-and-flexible-work-tools

  • Microsoft Teams- This can be used for chat, file sharing, video meetings, and project management 
  • Slack- The university does not pay for this platform but a limited free version is available. Primary function is chat
  • Google Products- There are some security concerns with using Google products, so be sure to consult with your IT team before using for any confidential or secure materials

Time Management 

  • To help stay focused on a task, try using a Pomodoro Timer
  • Use Outlook for Time Management; learn more here 
  • Schedule a daily check-in on off-campus days or have team office hours to come together to discuss projects and being on task

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