Updated June 23, 2021
Roles and Responsibilities
Employees who will work remotely are responsible for:
- Working with unit staff to ensure compliance with the remote work agreement, applicable laws, policies and procedures.
- Making any necessary adjustments for their personal information, income taxes and benefits.
Unit staff is responsible for ensuring compliance with the remote work agreement expectations, applicable laws, policies and procedures. Out-of-state remote work agreements may involve increased costs to departments.
For employees who are not "United States workers," e.g., employees in H-1B, TN, E-3 or J-1 status, call the International Center at (734)-764-9310 to discuss immigration compliance.
Employment Law
Considerations include:
- Minimum wage
- Overtime regulations
- Classification as exempt
- Meal and rest periods
- Travel-time pay
- Family/medical leave provisions
When employees are working in another state as their regular location of employment, there may be times when we are required to follow local employment laws. For units that need legal advice regarding compliance with out-of-state work requirements, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) may be able to retain outside counsel at the unit’s expense. Units must work with OGC to retain outside counsel.
I-9 Compliance
Federal law requires an I-9 for each person employed in the United States.
Address Changes
Review your "Current Local" address and edit if needed. To update your current address, go through Wolverine Access, and select Employee Self Service > Campus Personal Information > Addresses > Current Local.
Update your address with TIAA and Fidelity Investments if you participate in any U-M retirement plans.
Benefits
Provider networks are the primary consideration with respect to off campus benefit enrollment. Employees should select a health plan that will provide them with the desired level of coverage and provider network flexibility in their area.
Call the SSC Contact Center at (734) 615-2000 or send an email to sharedservices@umich.edu with specific questions.
Income Tax Liability
Employees may need to consult with a tax advisor regarding their personal tax situation. See also: Travel and/or Moving Expenses.
If the employee is working in another state for more than 30 days, it is the employee's responsibility to submit State Tax Withholding forms to Payroll to have taxes withheld for the state in which they are performing services. It is also the employee's responsibility to confirm local income tax obligations and to make quarterly estimated tax payments to their locality for these situations.
Direct Deposit
In most instances, employees may update Direct Deposit information using Wolverine Access.
If the employee cannot update Direct Deposit Information online, the Direct Deposit Authorization Form should be faxed or mailed to the Payroll office.
Travel and/or Moving Expenses
Whenever staff members request to but are not required to work from a non-university site, unless otherwise agreed the employee is responsible for all expenses related to remote work, including but not limited to commuting, travel and/or moving expense. Staff should expect any reimbursement provided to be subject to personal income tax.
Whenever staff members are required to establish a temporary residence at a remote work location for extended periods of time, they may be eligible for remote location compensation and/or reimbursement for transportation costs incurred.
- SPG: Remote Location Pay and Reimbursement of Dependent Relocation Costs
- SPG: Travel and Business Hosting Expense Policies and Procedures
Unemployment
When the U-M payroll office withholds taxes for the state in which the employee is working, the employee should file for unemployment in that state. Otherwise the employee should file for unemployment in the State of Michigan. Unemployment benefits vary by state. Benefits for individuals who were employed on auxiliary or agency funds are recharged directly to the appropriate operating unit.
- Unemployment Insurance Benefits Resources
- State-specific information about benefit amounts paid to employees. Includes number of weeks an employee may receive benefits.
Worker's Compensation and Liability
Consult Risk Management regarding coverage for potential losses or liability.
See the terms in the remote work agreement regarding provisions for a safe work environment and reporting requirements.
- If there is a work-related injury, fill out an injury report form.
- Risk Management will contact an insurance company in the state to manage the case.
- Risk Management will determine if workers compensation regulations applied should be based on employment in Michigan or outside of Michigan.
University Standard Practice Guide Applicability
The Standard Practice Guide is a compendium of the university's general operating policies and procedures. The policies that are contained in the SPG are approved by university leadership and typically apply to the entire institution.