Remote Work Expectations

Performance Expectations

NIU's work rules and other policies continue to apply to remote work locations. Staff members who are working remotely are expected to be available and communicative during scheduled work hours. In addition, staff members working under a remote working arrangement may be expected to come on-site for periodic meetings and interactions with the supervisor or other work-related needs. Supervisors may require their staff members who are working remotely to sign an agreement that details additional performance expectations.


Time Worked

Typically, a remote work arrangement will specify the number of hours to be worked at home and the specific time in which this will occur (e.g., every Tuesday, the first Monday of the month, etc.). Remote working employees who are not exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act will be required to accurately record all hours worked using the usual time-keeping system. Hours worked more than those scheduled per day and per workweek require the advance approval of the remote worker's supervisor.

Remote working is not designed to be a replacement for appropriate child care. Although an individual employee's schedule may be modified to accommodate child care needs, the focus of the arrangement must remain on the job performance and meeting business demands.


Equipment

NIU reserves the right to make determinations as to appropriate equipment, subject to change at any time. Equipment needs will be determined on a case-by-case basis with the supervisor for remote work. Deans or divisional leaders will be consulted as appropriate. Equipment supplied by NIU will be maintained by NIU with information, computing and communication resources subject to the Acceptable Use Policy. Please complete to appropriate Property Control form for any equipment that is used off campus.

Expenses, such as the cost of a reliable, appropriate internet service (e.g., speed and bandwidth), paper shredder or phone line are not typically covered by NIU.

Equipment supplied by the employee, if deemed appropriate by NIU, will be maintained by the employee. NIU accepts no responsibility for damage or repairs to employee-owned equipment. For more information on utilizing employee owned devices, please review the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy.


Information Security

Consistent with NIU's expectations of information security for employees working at the office, employees who are working remotely will be expected to ensure the continued protection of confidential, private and proprietary information received or created off-site as part of their NIU employment and continue to conform with all state and federal privacy laws.

Appropriate measures include compliance with the university’s information technology policies, standards and guidelines.

Other measures may include use of locked file cabinets and desks, regular password maintenance, safe transport of information when moving from off-site to on-site or vice versa, use of fire-proof safe to store critical documents and any other measures appropriate for the job and the environment.


Safety

Employees working off-site are expected to maintain their remote workspace in a safe manner, free from hazards.

NIU's workers' compensation policies and procedures apply to remote workers.

The employee is liable for any injuries sustained by visitors to their home worksite.

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