Managing Employees with an FWA

Management Training Resources

Visit the UT Learning & Development site to learn more about managing in a hybrid work environment while building team culture.

• Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Resources
• Hybrid Work Environment
• Remote Work Resources

Additional self-guided training is available through UTLearn.

• Motivate Remote Teams: Learn how to successfully manage and motivate remote and hybrid teams so employees will enjoy their work and perform their best.
• Remote Work Foundations: Learn how to build an effective remote work environment while remaining connected to colleagues.

FWA Resources for Managers

Review the FWA Manager Toolkit and consider these tips when evaluating an FWA request.

• Consider the business case. Will an FWA be good for your department and advantageous for the position from a talent recruitment or retention standpoint?
• Identify specific measures of productivity for this position and consider whether they can be met in a hybrid or remote work arrangement, or with a flexible work schedule.
• Consider specifying how long a new employee must work for this department before being considered for an FWA and be consistent. As a reminder, new classified employees are in the Probationary Period for the first 180 days of employment.
• Specify a trial period for implementing an FWA and a date for review. Check in with your employees regularly. FWAs should be reviewed at least annually, or as business needs arise.
• Consult with the Employee Assistance Program, the Office of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution, or Strategic Workforce Solutions.
• Set clear expectations and guidelines, e.g., forward phones, respond to email in a set amount of time, come into the office if needed, etc.
• Assess information security needs for the work to be performed.
• Consider the impact on communication, e.g., meetings, security concerns and availability for phone calls while teleworking. Consider information security needs as you choose a solution. Examples of solutions used by departments on campus include the following:
  • Zoom
  • MS Teams
  • Clear signage on office doors.
• Consider why a request was denied and be prepared to explain the circumstances to the employee.
• If you decline an employee’s proposal due to performance concerns, are you coaching the employee on how to meet and exceed expectations?

Assessing Positions for Flexible Work Arrangements Table

Optional Flexible work Arrangements Self-Assessment for Managers (PDF)