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UFV/Human Resources/Working at UFV/Hybrid Work at UFV

Hybrid Work at UFV

Please continue reading to the bottom of the page to find links to the policy, procedures, training resources, and application form. 

The Hybrid Work Policy (HWP) has been designed to reflect how we approach work in general while achieving our central goals. The way we work is more dynamic now than it ever was before. Community, culture, and technology flow together to shape how we gather, engage, and deliver on the university's mandate. The university's core objectives remain the same. We come together, exploring our world, seeking to expand the width, depth and breadth of our collective understanding.

This natural evolution of the ways we deliver on our core function was given a sudden boost in 2020 with the jarring, unplanned arrival of COVID.  All members of the UFV community admirably met this challenge.  We swiftly adapted our programs and curricula to move to remote delivery in service of our students.  The effort was remarkable.  It also served to accelerate our understanding of what a university could look like in the future. 

Our efforts were commendable yet unrefined. Over the last few years, we have worked in a temporary “pilot” phase. Assessing and learning from this pilot was crucial, and we thank you all for your patience and feedback. The pilot's experience built a solid base for an integrated and durable model to serve the future needs of UFV.

We wish to share several key themes underlying the policy structure. These themes are critical to understanding how we see this policy being deployed.

  • A university is a gathering place.
  • In concert, we explore and define our reality.
  • Technology should serve, not detract from, our interests in this regard. 
  • Our mission is to engage learners, transform lives and build community.

We are pleased to share the principles in the policy document in service of these themes: 

  • The importance of the academic mission is centered around teaching, research, and service commitments.
  • The commitment to prioritizing student experience and outcomes.
  • The goal of sustaining or improving service levels, quality of work, and productivity.
  • The desire to protect and promote institutional culture, team dynamics, and the potential for collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
  • The importance of having vibrant campuses and learning, research, and community engagement sites.
  • The need to ensure optimal space utilization and financial sustainability.
  • The commitment to a consistent institutional approach while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Policy

Procedures

Training

Review the training materials which clearly identify the steps to follow when applying. 

Application

Once the initial discussion between the employee and their manager has occurred, the employee can apply here on the manager's approval. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Request

You can find the request under MyUFV as an experience card. 

Yes, you can conditionally proceed, as long as you have completed your hybrid work agreement and are compliant with policy and safety requirements.

The Policy applies to all employees.  The Procedures and Approval Forms do not apply to Teaching Faculty.

Probationary employees are generally not eligible. If a manager approves, it can be implemented once the employee has been properly oriented. Performance must be satisfactory, and all evaluations must be completed at the appropriate time.

As long as you are on site at least as often as a “blended” role (which has a minimum of two days per week on site), the level of your FTE does not matter. So, in your case at 60% full-time, you could apply for one day of remote work per week.

No, you would only complete an application form if you are requesting to work one or more days off-site.

Scheduling

It is generally recommended that that a schedule be determined.  This assists other colleagues and/or other departments whose operations are integrated with specific positions.  However, if a manager approves, the hybrid work schedule may define a maximum number of days per week or per month, with the actual days determined on dynamic basis.

If you are unable to meet your required duties due to illness, similar to an on campus day you would call in sick and report the absence to your manager and into the leave system.

If you can continue to conduct meaningful work during this time until internet/power is restored, please ensure you communicate with your manager to let them know of the situation. If time of restoration is unknown, please let your manager know and make arrangements to work on campus.

Scheduled remote days cannot be banked or rescheduled, however daily variation to the remote schedules will be departmentally managed – managerial discretion.

Location

There may be some variance depending on the role. However, some good indicators would be:

  • In the event of an emergency or service outage, are you able to report to the worksite without a material delay?
  • Is your commute affecting your ability to attend and participate in customary on-campus activities?

If travel outside of the Province is required to fulfill your job responsibilities and requirements, these exceptions will require the prior approval of your Dean or Vice-President in consultation with Human Resources. Work required to be performed out of BC is automatically covered by WorkSafe BC, providing it lasts less than six months.

Working at another campus location is considered onsite (i.e. Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope). 

General

Employees with concerns are encouraged to speak with their manager. Decisions under the Policy are not subject to a formal appeal process.

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