The Facilitate Flexible Work (FFW) Network Team helps shape our future workplace by providing input on the benefits and challenges of remote, in-person, and hybrid work which include the human experience, productivity, and the need to leverage technology.
View the Facilitate Flexible Work Team charge.
View the Member Profiles on this page to learn more.
The Facilitate Flexible Work team is partnering with ITS on a feature in the Michigan app called Nature Rx. It's also exploring Hybrid Employee Parking Permit Solutions and Best Practices and guidelines related to Hybrid & Remote Work
To learn more about the FFW team, see their 2024 project poster.
Amanda Reel was recently selected to fill one of the two Manager, Award Management positions for the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, to provide leadership to the newly forming Award Management team. This new role is part of ORSP’s realignment and modernization effort to position the central office’s operations for anticipated growth of the University’s Research Enterprise. Prior to this role, Amanda joined ORSP as a Project Representative on the Government Sponsors team, providing pre-award and non-financial post-award services for sponsored grants and contracts from government funders.
RN for Gastroenterology in Taubman Center. I have always been an advocate for staff to have a flexible work schedule whether it be picking the days you work (on the floor) or being able to work from home if you are not seeing patients. I try to be a champion and hold UM/MM accountable and to back what they say for everything. Going Green is huge and having staff that do not see patients pay 750 dollars/year to come on site doesnt line up with the dream of green. We are driving our cars and more buses are being utilized. Construction has caused patient delays as well. April has worked in the Peds ICU, Neuro ICU, KEC pre/post op/triage area. Also, flight nursing at Kalitta Charters and Wyandotte Hosp recovery assist mgr. She has been at Michigan Medicine for the last 13 years but has a total of almost 18 years with the organization.
Christine is a member of the RA Team for the Department of Psychiatry, working on the many grants the department is awarded throughout the year. Working completely remote all the way from Pennsylvania, she is excited to be part of the Flexible Work team. Christine has been part of the Michigan family for the past 2 years having worked previously in research at university and health system levels.
Gretchen O’Hair (she/her) serves the DOIM as an Administrative Specialist supporting the Office of DEI & Well-Being. Bringing 12 years of experience at U-M in various administrative roles, Gretchen also serves as a lead facilitator of the facilitators for the U-M Voices of the Staff, co-facilitator of the U-M Voices of the Staff Facilitate Flexible Work Network Team, MHealthy Champion, and Planet Blue Ambassador. She has a demonstrated commitment and passion for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being, breaking down barriers, enriching the climate of our university, and seeks to lead others in understanding the importance of fostering a healthy culture, environment, and positive relationships that engage and support faculty, staff, and our community.
Jackie Riecks has been with the Gerald R Ford School of Public Policy for almost three years as their Development “Jackie-of-all-trades” Assistant. Before the Ford School, Jackie worked at Ross School of Business for 12 years, as a Department Admin for the Accounting faculty. Jackie has worked for the University since the late 90’s, starting in the Dean’s office of LSA in the office of Student Recruitment and Scholarships, she moved to Nevada for five years in the early 2000’s and worked at the University of Nevada, Reno at their NPR affiliate (KUNR) as a membership coordinator and for the teacher licensing department as a test administrator. Jackie brings a friendly, helpful attitude with decades of institutional knowledge to any team she works with. She has experience in over 15 departments as a temporary & permanent employee for the University.
Jenna Blumenauer serves as the Senior Academic Advisor at the UM School of Nursing in the Office of Graduate Studies. Jenna has been in this role for six years supporting the Nursing Graduate MSN and DNP students. By fostering a collaborative relationship, Jenna aims to help students navigate the complexities of academic decision-making, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate confidence in their abilities. She strives to be a person who will challenge, motivate, encourage, and celebrate students while holding them accountable and providing a new perspective for them to consider. Jenna also works to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for students to feel comfortable and eager to be in. In addition to this role, Jenna is a member of the U-M Voices of the Staff; U-M Advising Council where she oversees the Graduate Advisor Committee along with participation in numerous other committees at the School of Nursing.