Eligible UT staff may lose remote work options despite 'limited' on-site opportunities

University of Texas Limits Remote Work, Career Advancement Opportunities for Staff

University of Texas staff who choose to work remotely may face "limited career and promotion opportunities," according to Human Resources guidelines. This is due in part to the "difficulty in growing into supervisory, managerial, and leadership roles" while working remotely, according to the university. https://hr.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/documents/Flexible_Work_Arrangement_Telework.pdf

UT spokesperson Mike Rosen said that there are simply "fewer jobs available for remote work the higher a person advances," and that remote work options will only be available for a "small number" of roles. Employees with disabilities can still request accommodations through existing university policies, and their opportunities will not be "restricted by work location" if approved.

With over 14,500 staff members, the university's decision to end remote work is a cause for concern. UT faculty member Anne Lewis called the push for full in-person work a "lack of respect" for staff, questioning the link between physical presence and competitiveness. "That just seems bizarre," she said.

The new policy requires staff to be on-site full-time, but they can request approval for remote work from their supervisors. However, senior leaders, managers, and staff servicing UT properties are not eligible for remote work. The policy also advises a minimum of 3-4 days on-site for specific roles, giving supervisors discretion over remote needs for accounting or payroll staff.

Governor Greg Abbott praised the end of remote work at UT, tweeting: "It's past time to get back to work." https://x.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1801273678421774821

However, Pauline Strong, president of the UT chapter of the American Association of University Professors, fears this decision will lead to more turnover, especially with already low morale due to inadequate pay and recent terminations in the diversity, equity, and inclusion staff. "Faculty rely greatly on experienced staff and know that staff value flexibility in their work arrangements," she said.

https://hr.utexas.edu/current/trends-staff-data