Employee Manual 2023 - Flipbook - Page 135
APPENDIX S:
REMOTE WORK POLICY
Overview
This policy outlines guidelines for employees who work from a location other than our offices. We
want to ensure that both employees and residents of the City of Plymouth will benefit from these
arrangements. All remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from the department
director and city manager. The city manager has the authority to change any provisions of this
policy or an employee’s individual arrangement if they deem it to be in the best interest of the City.
Department directors may authorize voluntary temporary or intermittent flexible work
arrangements, including combined worksite and remote work schedules under special
circumstances, such as to complete a special work assignment, to alleviate transportation
disruptions, or to balance work with family care responsibilities. The employee will initiate a
request for remote work arrangements with a department manager, who can immediately
authorize remote work on an ad hoc basis during a single workweek.
Statement of Policy
The City of Plymouth recognizes that flexible work arrangements and reduced commutes can
benefit the employee and the department by making more efficient use of staff time. Remote work
policies and requirements that pertain to emergency situations take precedence over the policies
outlined in this document and will be communicated separately if enacted. Remote work is a
management option, not an entitlement. The agreement may be revoked or modified by the
department and/or City at any time for any reason.
Not all positions are appropriate or feasible for remote work.
Working remotely may be appropriate for some employees, depending on the nature and role of
the position. Working from home is not an entitlement, it is not a citywide benefit, and it in no way
changes the terms and conditions of employment with The City of Plymouth. As municipal
government employees, our first priority is to anticipate the needs of our residents and serve them
with excellence. It is important that we meet the expectations of residents regarding access to staff
while balancing the needs of our team members. As such, the remote work policy provides
flexibility but does not allow a permanent work from home schedule. Staff are expected to be
available during work hours if the need arises to appear in person.
There are times when remote work authorization can be granted by department supervisors for a
short-duration such as one to three days. This is to allow additional flexibility to handle unique
situations such as weather (i.e. snowstorm) or onsite contractors (i.e. need to be present in home).
These are merely examples but not an exhaustive list.
Remote work does not change the terms and conditions of an employee’s employment with the
City of Plymouth, nor does this policy modify the terms and conditions of any agreement with any
bargaining unit. Current bargaining units do not have any positions eligible for remote work at this
time.
City of Plymouth Employee manual - Page 135 – March 2023
