Change in Hybrid Work Arrangement – Provost & VP Academic Portfolio

Please note that the change described below only applies to members working in units under the Provost and VP Academic portfolio and not to members working in specific faculties. If you work for a specific faculty (for example, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Arts, etc.), then the change does not apply to you.

_________________

We are aware of the recent announcements mandating a return to office at least 50% of the time for units under the Provost and Vice-President Academic portfolio. At this time, we do not know whether these changes or similar changes will be implemented throughout the University, but we wanted to keep all members informed of the current developments.

Many of you working under this portfolio have shared your concerns about how this change could impact your work, productivity, and overall wellbeing. We want you to know that we heard you and we understand your frustration.

Meeting with the Provost’s Office

We have met with the Provost’s Office regarding this matter, and it has identified some operational challenges that it believes can be addressed through in person work.

AAPS indicated that requiring members to return to campus to perform tasks they have been successfully completing remotely does not constitute a compelling or valid reason for the return to office mandate. This approach overlooks the proven effectiveness of remote work and fails to consider the broader implications on employee productivity and morale. AAPS believes that it is unreasonable on the part of the University to implement these changes.

The University shared that it will be implementing the return to office mandate in the fall. Once these changes are implemented, AAPS will be soliciting your feedback. The intent is to understand the full scope of these changes and whether it justifies the return to office mandate. Your feedback will give us clear examples that we can bring to the table when discussing this issue with the University.

Before the end of the year, AAPS will be meeting with the University again to further discuss this issue.

Contact AAPS If You Meet the Below Criteria

At this time, we will be looking at individual situations on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to us by completing the AAPS Advocacy Request Form if:

• You are a member who has a documented disability, and you need accommodation, or
• You were hired into your role with a clear and documented understanding that your position will be fully remote or have a specific number of in-office days. This also includes members who were induced into taking the job. For example, you accepted the job after being promised that you could work 100% remotely most of the time and would only need to come into the office a couple of times a month.

For members who do not fit the above criteria who work under the Provost and Vice-President Academic portfolio, we do ask that you continue to track what you do during your in-office days. For example, do you spend the majority of your days in the office attending online meetings or doing independent work that can be done remotely? Members will be invited to share their feedback in the fall once the Provost’s Office implements the changes. 

Thank you for continuing to share your concerns with us.