Learn about the remote work program and resources available for employees at UBC.
Whether we work on-campus or remotely, collectively we make UBC an inspiring place for students to learn, as well as for faculty and staff to research, teach and work.
Starting in September 2021, our remote work arrangements must follow the new remote work program objectives, principles, guidelines and considerations. After reviewing the guidelines as well as the information on this page, employees who are interested in remote work are encouraged to speak with their supervisor or manager. Leaders will then consider the arrangements of the individual as well as the team.
A reminder that the first year of the remote work program (September 2021 – August 2022) will be transitional.
Steps for getting started
If you wish to participate in the program, follow these steps:
- Familiarize yourself with the guidelines.
- If you wish to request a remote work arrangement, have an informed conversation with your supervisor. Review the content on this page. Your conversation should also include:
- clarity about which days you would like to work remotely,
- any barriers that may prevent you from performing your duties effectively.
- Your manager will decide if a remote work arrangement is suitable. Once you have discussed options with your supervisor and come to an understanding, complete a Remote Work Agreement in Workday. The agreement ensures that the University is meeting all obligations under WorkSafeBC, and that both you and your supervisor are considering all aspects related to a remote work arrangement.
Setting up a remote work agreement
The remote work program requires an agreement between you and your supervisor, even if there were previous remote work arrangements in place. The agreement ensures that the university is meeting all obligations under WorkSafeBC, and that both supervisor and employees are considering all aspects related to a remote work arrangement.
It is important that you first review the remote work guidelines as well as the information on this page before expressing interest to your supervisor or manager. Then have an informed conversation about remote work with your supervisor. Your supervisor/manager will decide if a remote work arrangement is suitable for you and the team.
If appropriate, your manager will then encourage you to request the Remote Work Agreement located in Workday. As part of this agreement, you will also be expected to fill out the Work Area Safety Assessment (available from the UBC Safety and Risk Services website) and have this signed by your manager. Workday step-by-step instructions are available in the Knowledge Base article Remote Work Request Form.
Note: The Remote Work Agreement covers ongoing remote work, not working remotely on an ad hoc basis. If working remotely on an ad hoc basis, you need to ensure your workspace is safe.
Supporting your remote work
mental health support
Be proactive and take action to support your mental health and resilience.
Learning resources
Explore specifically created and curated learning about remote work.
Considerations and tips for working remotely
Changing or ending a remote work arrangement
Sometimes remote work arrangements will need to come to an end. It is preferable for either a supervisor or an employee to provide notice in advance of ending the arrangement. If you wish to increase or decrease your hours of remote work, you will need to first have a conversation with your supervisor, and the Remote Work Agreement in Workday may need to be updated. You or your supervisor must provide appropriate notice if you wish to end your remote work arrangement. Normally this notice would be two weeks, so that there’s enough time to make arrangements for you to be in the workplace on an increased or full-time basis.
