Use the following information to reflect on your job and work area and to help prepare a proposal for negotiating with your supervisor around flexible employment practices.
Self reflection
1. How well do you understand your job – how does it fit into the wider university operation?
2. What are the current negative things about your work/life?
3. What are the current positive things in your work/life?
4. What things can you do to make a difference to your work/life balance?
5. What changes at work are you considering and what do you hope to achieve?
6. Do you have the ability (skills, knowledge, self-discipline, positive work habits) to perform with reduced support and supervision, if that is what you are considering?
7. Are there positive things that you will miss out on because you’re not in the office?
Checklist
8. Have you analysed your options among the range of possible flexible arrangements?
9. Do you have a clear understanding of the benefits to both yourself and the university?
10. Have you identified your and the university’s needs?
11. How will your proposal impact on work unit goals?
12. What effect will it have on service delivery?
13. Is it workable?
14. How will your performance be assessed?
15. What impact will it have on your work/life balance and health and wellbeing?
16. How will it affect colleagues and clients?
17. Financial assessment – what are the costs and benefits?
18. Have you considered how your proposal would be implemented?
19. How will you allow for interaction with supervisor and coworkers?
20. Does your proposal allow for training and development?
21. How will you participate in team work?
22. Is there a need for workload or job design amendments?
23. Are you suggesting a trial period? If so, what would be a fair length of time?
24. How will success and outcomes be measured?
25. What will happen if this arrangement is unsuccessful? Will you return to your previous arrangements?
26. Is there an end date for this arrangement, when you wish to return to previous arrangements?