The Howard Forward Strategic Plan outlines a future where efficiency and effectiveness are key tenets of our growth as an institution and community anchor. We recognize that we are living in a period of rapid evolution in the way we consider public health, the nature of work, and how these things impact employee safety and satisfaction.
With these things in mind, we are announcing the University’s updated policy on teleworking, effective December 1, 2021. This policy was implemented in September 2020 as part of Howard’s Bison S.A.F.E. COVID-19 response initiative. The updated language now provides greater clarity on approval processes for long-term, episodic and emergency remote working arrangements for eligible employees.
This expanded guidance offers mutual benefits for the University and employees. It provides senior leaders and managers autonomy to maintain productivity and service delivery for our entire community while accounting for the benefits of technology and safety provisions. It also allows the University to take bold steps in our carbon footprint reduction plan by reducing energy costs and density associated with workers coming to campus.
We remind all employees that telework allows eligible employees to work from a remote worksite for all or part of their workweek. Telework may be appropriate for some employees and jobs but not for others. Telework is not an entitlement and in no way changes the terms and conditions of employment with Howard University. Telework is appropriate when an eligible employee’s duties can be performed effectively at a remote worksite without compromising work quality, productivity, customer service or required office coverage.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the updated policy and speak with your manager about options for remote working and the continuity of operations in your office.
We value all our team members and their dedication to this institution. We hope that these updates reflect the University’s commitment to safety, innovation and service in all that we do.
