Resolution 06-02: A resolution concerning the implementation of flexible working schedules

RESOLUTION OF THE EMPLOYEE FORUM
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL

April 5, 2006

WHEREAS the Mission of the Employee Forum is to address constructively the concerns of Employees of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and represent those concerns to University officials, State Legislators, and the citizenry of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS the Chancellor’s Task Force for a Better Workplace reports that increasing the use of “flex time” (alternative working schedules and telecommuting) would be one of the most effective strategies the Administration could take to make the University a better place to work; and

WHEREAS 80% of respondents to the Task Force survey indicated that the use of flex time and telecommuting was “important” or “very important” to them, and 66% indicated that work-from-home opportunities were important or very important; and

WHEREAS the practice of telecommuting is consistent with the State policy on telecommuting; and

WHEREAS Chancellor James Moeser, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Robert Shelton, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Nancy Suttenfield have all stated their support for flexible work schedules wherever possible; and

WHEREAS the cost of commuting continues to increase in ways that place a financial burden on many Employees who have little or no alternative but to commute significant distances to work; and

WHEREAS the Task Force report indicates that some managers are hesitant to allow flexible schedules; and

WHEREAS the UNC Office of Human Resources is working to develop a new telecommuting policy for the University;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Employee Forum calls on the Chancellor and the Office of Human Resources to:

• Inform and include members of the Employee Forum at all stages of the telecommuting policy development and implementation process. 
• Strive to increase the awareness among managers and employees of the need for flex time work options.
• Improve understanding among managers and employees on how to use flex time options effectively.

• Provide training on this issue for supervisors and managers.
• Provide information sessions for employees.
• Create a web site with helpful hints on creating and managing flexible work options.

Signed on behalf of the Employee Forum

Ernie Patterson, Chair