Proposal Request/Review/Decisions

Decisions regarding the appropriateness of a flexible work arrangement are made on a case-by-case basis. Business needs are a priority in the consideration and evaluation of an employee's proposal.

There are no standardized rules for what will make a flexible work arrangement acceptable or unacceptable; however, personal opinions and biases should not influence decision making.

If a supervisor/manager declines to accept the proposal, then he or she should make every effort to ensure that the employee fully understands the reason(s).

Steps for the EMPLOYEE to follow:

1. Think through which option makes sense and whether that option provides the flexibility you desire. It is important to consider how the arrangement may impact your work and the work of your colleagues.
2. Ask for assistance or guidance from your Human Resources partner if you have any questions.
3. Once you have decided on your plan, complete the proposal form and the IT Security Standards form (for any teleworking proposals).  
4. Employees currently engaged in a successful flexible workplace arrangement set up prior to March 2013 are encouraged to formalize their arrangement by completing the proposal form.
5. Schedule an appointment with your supervisor to discuss your proposal and finalize/modify your plan if necessary.  
6. Plan to respond to unexpected circumstances or changes that may result and affect your flexible work arrangement.

Steps for the reviewing SUPERVISOR to follow:

1. Respond to each proposal in a timely manner, normally within ten business days, to keep the employee informed of its status.
2. If the request is being denied, clarify with the employee why you cannot approve it. The employee has the option to appeal the denial to his or her HR partner, who will then discuss the situation with the employee and manager/supervisor. Send a copy of the proposal, including why it was denied, to Human Resources.
3. If the request is being approved, next step is to forward proposal to appropriate  department Manager/Director, Dean or Designee for final approval.  IF submitted proposal is for a teleworking arrangement, prior to forwarding for final approval be sure you and the employee have reviewed the expectations/criteria provided in the UNH IT Security Standards form and have employee sign and submit with the proposal. 
4. After final department approval is received, the proposal is then forwarded to department's HR Partner for final review regarding any potential compliance issues prior to implementation. 
5. Communicate the new arrangement to other staff members in the department.
6. The supervisor/manager and employee should both review the original proposal at the end of the trial period, making changes if necessary. If an altogether different flexible workplace arrangement seems necessary, then a new proposal should be prepared and submitted by the employee.