Framework
The future of work is hybrid
How did we get here?
A five-step consultative approach was used to build our strategy. Key stakeholders were engaged across Faculties and Departments to ensure continuous alignment at every step.
1. Understand current state and make the case for change
2. Align on guiding principles for flexibility at TMU
3. Identify potential for flexibility
4. Define requirements for providing flexibility
5. Develop strategy and plan
After several months of consultations with senior leaders, an employee survey, best practice research and an organizational analysis, we have determined that the future of work at TMU will be a hybrid workforce model.
This means our workforce will have employees who work on campus, employees who work remotely, and employees who do a combination of both.
Ways of working
The infographic above shows the continuum of the ways of working and potential level of flexibility.
On Campus
The work requires:
- being physically on campus
- in-person interactions
- having access to campus facilities
- using shared equipment or tools
Defined Flexibility
The work requires:
- some in-person, on campus interaction or facilities, tools or equipment on campus
- some tasks that can be completed remotely
Activities are required to be completed on campus at set times.
Flexibility
The work requires:
- some in-person, on campus interaction or facilities, tools or equipment on campus
- some tasks that can be completed remotely
The timing and schedule for in-person or on-campus activities is variable.
Virtual
The work requires:
- activities that can be completed primarily remotely
- minimal in-person interaction on campus
Guiding principles for the future of work
Guiding principles provide a consistent framework so we’re all moving in the same direction. These principles were developed through extensive consultation with TMU’s senior leaders.
In the future of work, TMU will…
Put the quality of student experience, course delivery, and research at the center of all flexibility decisions.
See organizational flexibility as both ‘where and when’ and ‘what and how’ work gets done.
Provide a positive experience for our employees to support attraction and retention of our workforce.
Ensure transparency of decision-making rationale behind levels of flexibility provided.
Empower faculties and administrative departments to drive their own flexibility strategy.
Root all decisions that impact the workforce in equity, diversity and inclusion.
Provide the support necessary for leaders and individuals to adapt to and succeed in a flexible work environment.
Uphold the responsibilities of leaders and individuals to deliver on their work in flexible environments.
Balance fiscal considerations to ensure we invest in the right way.
Provide a consistent set of core enablers, including policies, tools, training and communications.
Adopt a phased implementation approach based on department readiness, allowing TMU to adapt, course correct and monitor along the way.
Policy and procedures
Flexible Work Policy and Procedures
As we gradually shift from remote work as a part of our pandemic response, into a hybrid workforce and our future of work plans, these documents provide guidance around new remote work practices at the university including:
- Where employees are permitted to live and work
- Suitable workspaces
- Health and safety standards
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Equipment and property
Out-of-Province Work Procedures and request form
Employees are required to reside in a location that allows them to attend campus when needed, within Ontario. There may be employment-related implications when an employee lives outside the province. Please review the Out-of-Province Work Procedures to determine if your situation meets the definition of extenuating and exceptional circumstances, such as grant requirements, research requirements, visa or documentation delays, or difficulty in filling a specialized role and an Ontario search has been exhausted. Requests must be approved at the vice-president level and reviewed and documented by Human Resources.
