Remote Work Policy

Policy

BYU Dining Services follows BYU’s Remote Work Policy. However, remote work is less common in Dining Services than in other campus areas because of the nature of its work as a student-focused department. In some cases, however, remote work arrangements may be authorized when it is clearly in Dining Services’ best interests and when the procedures outlined in this policy are followed.

Managers should use the following definitions to determine whether to authorize short-term or long-term remote work.

• Short-Term Remote Work: Infrequent and nonrecurring hybrid or remote work for two weeks or fewer.
  
• Long-Term Remote Work: Hybrid or remote work for longer than two weeks. (This procedure should also be used for frequent and recurring short-term hybrid or remote work.)

Short-Term Remote Work Procedure

A manager may approve an employee’s or student employee's request for short-term remote work for circumstances such as inclement weather, a temporarily difficult commute, special projects, travel, or short-term medical needs that do not constitute a disability. Employees must receive prior approval from their manager for short-term remote work. Approval of a request for short-term remote work does not create an expectation of ongoing remote work, and frequent or repeated requests for short-term work should be addressed as a request for long-term remote work.

Long-Term Remote Work Procedure

An employee may request long-term remote work when it is in the department's best interests and the employee’s productivity will be maintained or enhanced. To do so, the employee requests a flexible work arrangement inside Workday. The manager can also submit this request on an employee’s behalf. This request is submitted in multiple parts and will prompt the employee to indicate their work schedule, communication methods, outcomes/goals, and equipment needed. After the request has been made, the manager reviews the employee’s request, considering these eligibility criteria:

1. Job Responsibilities: Could the functions of the job be performed satisfactorily through a remote work arrangement? Would a remote work arrangement cause disruption to job performance and/or service delivery? Could supervision and mentorship of student employees be maintained at the highest level?
2. Customer Service: Does the position require in-person contact? Could the employee perform the same duties and assignments and provide the same level of customer service working remotely as the employee does when working on university premises?
3. Resources: Would the employee have access at a remote location to the equipment, supplies, workspace, software, internet, data security, or other resources necessary to complete work successfully?
4. Teamwork: Will communication and collaboration with the employee’s manager and other team members become difficult? Would there be a negative impact on the employee, coworkers, or the team?
5. Productivity: Would a remote work arrangement allow the unit to meet organizational needs and maintain or improve work productivity, employee satisfaction, and engagement?
6. Job Performance: Do the employee’s performance evaluations and demonstrated reliability, work style, etc. support remote work being accomplished effectively? While working remotely, can the employee prioritize work to meet deadlines, accomplish job duties with minimal supervision, communicate effectively with customers and team members, manage time effectively, etc.?
7. Consistency: Is the decision regarding the suitability of the position for remote work applied consistently across the department?

Before approving the flexible work arrangement, the manager must receive approval through their upline to the managing director. When a personal computer will be used for remote work, the Dining Technology Group must approve the request as well. Following the managing director's approval, the manager and second-level manager are authorized to approve the flexible work arrangement in Workday.

Student employees are not eligible to request long-term remote work. Working from campus as regularly as circumstances allow ensures student employees receive hands-on experience, benefit from direct supervision and mentorship, and engage fully in their workplace environment.

Revision History

2/26/25 - Policy approved by the Dining Executive Team.