Workplace Strategies
Student Affairs Workplace Strategies
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to cultivating organizational health and recognizes that offering a range of Workplace Strategies promotes work/life effectiveness, productivity, staff engagement, and cross training. Workplace Strategies also enable Student Affairs to consider different ways of utilizing physical workspaces, technology, and other tools.
Northwestern University uses “Workplace Strategies” as an umbrella term that encompasses all alternative approaches to traditionally structured, in-person work in an employer-designated location within designated work hours or shifts. Common strategies in Student Affairs have included remote work one or two days per week, flextime to adjust work schedules, and seasonal arrangements.
Supervisors will review each request individually and make decisions equitably, although equitable consideration does not guarantee identical Workplace Strategies for every employee. Some positions may not be conducive to certain types of Workplace Strategies for reasons including the nature of the position, the work required, or the operational needs of the department. We encourage Student Affairs staff and supervisors to collaborate on individual, tailored solutions.
Process
Staff members may initiate Workplace Strategy requests by talking with their supervisor. If a supervisor approves a request, the supervisor must submit the Student Affairs Workplace Strategy form to document the strategy. Supervisors and employees will review approved Workplace Strategies quarterly and update Strategies on file at least annually.
Policy Reminders
- Staff must review and comply with Northwestern University’s Policy on Workplace Strategies, which describes health and safety hazards, appropriate workspace, schedules and timekeeping, paid time away, holidays, equipment, travel, security and confidentiality, and property insurance.
- All staff are expected to meet performance standards, including being available and accessible with minimal distractions during work times.
- Student Affairs will make concerted efforts to honor Workplace Strategies and to give advanced notice if they will change. However, when necessary, SA may change Workplace Strategies -- temporarily or permanently, and with or without notice -- for business or organizational needs, special work functions or activities, seasonal variations, or performance.
- Hourly employees must report all hours worked. Overtime requires supervisor preapproval.
- If you are approved to work primarily outside Illinois, you will need to update your home address in MyHR, complete the Remote Worker Form to notify SAHR, and complete appropriate tax forms.
Additional Resources
- Staff and supervisors who have questions or want to discuss potential strategies are welcome to contact Kendra or Megan at SAHR@northwestern.edu.
- Leaves of absence are managed by HR’s benefits team. Review the Leaves of Absence website here.
- Disability accommodations are managed by the Office of Equity. Review the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance website on requesting accommodations here.