Many of our colleagues at U-M value work-life balance, and support others who are interested in working a flexible schedule. Learn more about all they do to champion workplace flexibility in their school, college or unit.
Many of our colleagues at U-M value work-life balance, and support others who are interested in working a flexible schedule. Learn more about all they do to champion workplace flexibility in their school, college or unit.
Debbie Apsley promotes coherence in the work
place by always being aware of each staff member's situation, and she encourages and helps staff strive toward opportunities that fit their strengths. She grants employees the opportunity to Go Green through flexible summer work hours that allow them to telecommute one day each week, or adjust their schedules so they may carpool.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Compressed schedule
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Phased retirement
Gradual return to work
Bob Harris has allowed workers to take time off and/or telecommute in times of family tragedies, difficulties, and transition, including after the arrival of a newborn child. He keeps an open-door policy -- meeting without an appointment anytime, regardless of how busy he may be.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Compressed schedule
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Phased retirement
Gradual return to work
Esrold Nurse understands that staff members have commitments outside of work. He feels it is important to ease the tension which many staff members experience, by recognizing that family obligations and commitments are a significant part of their lives. Reducing the inherent competition between work and family commitments can have a direct positive impact on staff productivity.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Compressed schedule
Part-time employment
Job sharing
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Phased retirement
Gradual return to work
Trisha Wittkopp is extremely accommodating to alternative work schedules when life deems them necessary. She allows members of the laboratory to work during the night, or even telecommute during daytime hours. As a result of her positive management practices, Trisha has increased the quality of her staff’s work experiences every day.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Compressed schedule
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Gradual return to work
In University Human Resources (UHR) Communications, the leadership of Dave Reid and Nick Kaleba has made a positive impact on the work culture. It has led to a team of people who are able to bring their best selves to work and deliver award-winning results. They understand that a flexible work environment creates more positive, productive, healthy and happy employees, whether they are facing child care issues, sick or elderly parents, exercise classes or doctor’s appointments. Work-life balance is a reality in UHR Communications.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Project Healthy Schools manager, Jean DuRussel-Weston, strives to support the needs of her staff by allowing flexibility for work-life balance. Many team members flex their hours to make up for early morning or evening meetings, or time away from the office for doctor’s appointments and family care issues. Members of the team regularly attend lunchtime exercise classes in their work building. The exercise break in the middle of the day helps boost team energy, productivity and camaraderie.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Gradual return to work
Will Sherry cultivates a positive work environment, making for a supportive work place. His leadership extends to providing flexible work hours to the staff, many of whom work evening and weekend hours for programs and workshops. He consistently strives to provide equitable direction with work schedules, acknowledging the differences between staff. He provides flexibility for both individual and business needs, which increases productivity and capacity in work performance.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Compressed work schedules
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Gradual return to work
Dr. Blaire Moody Rideout works closely with her staff to make sure they have the time and support needed to attend to personal needs outside of work. She creates a positive work culture by supporting work place flexibility. She has allowed staff members to work a reduced schedule until personal matters have been resolved, and permits staff to attend working meetings virtually, which helps to ease stress during times of extensive travel. She also supports new parents with both professional development and family responsibilities.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Gradual return to work
Tim is a clear champion of supporting workplace flexibility as a way to build positive work culture while serving the human resource and employee relations needs of the university. He creates an environment where staff feel trusted and in charge of managing their work. Tim has supported his staff in working remotely during unexpected family events and flexing their hours to meet individual needs.
Workflex practices in use:
Flexible start and stop times
Part-time employment
Flexible work place (telecommuting)
Phased retirement
Gradual return to work