A Word from the APA President —

 By Martin McDonough, MSU APA President  

Remote versus on-site work  

Your APA recognizes our members for their capabilities and distinction while responding to the changing world around them. Our members continue to be leaders in how MSU reacts to a worldwide crisis.  As our world evolves to a more on-site presence, we have also learned that some tasks can be performed well without a presence on campus. The university recently created a work group dedicated to developing the guidance for departments on how to return staff from remote work. At the time of this article the university indicated that guidance was not fully developed but the APA has learned some departments are already providing their staff with new policies. The basic framework of information that has been provided contains the following points. 

• The decision regarding returning to on-site work will be made at the department level.  
• The department should be starting with short term solutions, leaving room to work out any long-term arrangements. 
• The units should be using the Workplace Decisions Guidance resource to identify what work will return to on-site. 
• Return dates should consider a notice period. 
• The returns should be phased to limit the pressure on service integration units. 
•  Communications should be clear and frequent to explain what is happening and when. 
•  Leaders are encouraged to support, encourage, and exhibit self-care and a balance approach to work and personal life to avoid burnout in a flexibility-driven workplace. 

When the university closed over a year ago our members had known expectations and routines.  As the university tries to return to a sense of normal it can be anticipated that there will be some changes and possibly some new challenges. Working remote discovered new and innovative methods which could become accepted as new policy or procedures. Remote work also helped each of us to discover new capabilities or to learn new skills. A physical presence may not be necessary to succeed at a specific task, but it can create more opportunities for teams and staff to network. Many have expressed a wish to remain working as remote as possible. Other members have hoped for a day to return to the on-site work experience. The new work environment is evolving in a similar way as how APA members worked at the start of the crisis, they can and will be part of creating the new path forward.  

The return to work from a worldwide crisis is something many have never experienced. It will be unique and could bring some challenges. The APA members have shown their grit and will continue to do so. To best understand any future plans, members are encouraged to communicate with their departments. If concerns arise, contact your APA.