FWA Overview

Flexible work arrangements (FWA) at Kent State are designed to support work/life balance for employees and are to be used for related purposes, including, but not limited to, participation in university-sponsored wellness activities/events, physical activity, child care, professional development, and to more effectively perform daily job responsibilities. Please reference policy 3342-6-01.2 for a definition of eligible employees. 

Although not every position can take advantage of a FWA, there are a variety of ways that schedule flexibility can be customized to work for both the department and the individual. Departments are encouraged to have open dialogues regarding flexible work and integrate it as a standard business practice, where applicable. Employees may use the FWA Request Form to initiate such dialogue. The determination of whether an employee will be allowed to participate in a flexible work arrangement will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the needs, requirements, and constraints of the department. 

To ensure that management and staff members have a mutual understanding of the specifics of the flexible work arrangement, it must be documented using the automated Flexible Work Arrangement Request Form, which will guide supervisors and employees in specifying the details of the arrangement. If the arrangement becomes unfeasible at any time, it may be discontinued at the discretion of either the employee or management, with reasonable notice thereof. A Flexible Work Arrangement Termination Form must be completed if the employee is returning to their customary schedule and will no longer participate in a FWA.  

Types of flexible work arrangements offered at Kent State include alternative arrival/departure time, extended lunch duration, and compressed schedule. Flexible work arrangements must not materially change the duties of the position and must be structured to maintain the equivalence of a full-time work schedule. Use of flex time should not result in overtime for classified staff members. This guideline is intended to assist administrators, supervisors, Human Resources (HR) representatives and staff members to create opportunities for optimizing performance and work/life balance through schedule flexibility.