Working in Michigan From an Off-site Location

Updated October 12, 2023

Roles and Responsibilities

Employees who will work remotely are responsible for:

  • Working with unit staff to ensure compliance with the 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 work agreement expectations, applicable laws, policies and procedures.

For “non-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.

I-9 Compliance

Federal law requires an I-9 for each person employed in the United States.

Address Changes

Employees need to review their "Current Local" address and edit if needed. To update the current address, go through Wolverine Access, and select Employee Self Service > Campus Personal Information > Addresses > Current Local.  

Employees should ppdate their address with TIAA and Fidelity Investments if they 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 Shared Services Center Contact Center at (734) 615-2000 or send an email to [email protected] with specific questions.

Travel and/or Moving Expenses

Whenever employees 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 expenses. Employees should expect any reimbursement provided to be subject to personal income tax.

Whenever employees 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.

Worker's Compensation and Liability

Consult Risk Management regarding coverage for potential losses or liability.

See the terms in the 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 worker’s 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.

Home Office Tax Deduction

See IRS Publication 587 Business Use of Your Home.