Human Resources & Inclusive Community

The University of Denver Department of Human Resources & Inclusive Community (HRIC) is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture through strategic leadership and innovative solutions that serve and support the University's vision, mission, and goals. Guided by DU IMPACT 2025, we provide exemplary HR services and programs to attract, inspire, and sustain excellence in our community, enabling a world class workforce by empowering employees to maximize their potential. It is increasingly clear that an engaged, talented faculty and staff will be critical to realizing DU's considerable aspirations and supporting a new generation of students.

Working Remotely

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, more people than ever before have been working and learning from home. While this practice helps mitigate the spread of disease and protect vulnerable members of our community, among other advantages, it also presents a host of new challenges for employees, managers, and faculty members. Find HRIC's helpful tips and resources, including how to submit your own Flexible Work request, below.

• HRIC Tips for Remote Work

  As more of our colleagues make the shift to remote work, below are some tips to help make this a successful transition. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact your HR Partner.

  

  
  Know Your Tech

  The DU Department of Information Technology has a fantastic technology resources guide for faculty and staff with information on all the technology tools available to assist with working and teaching from off campus. If you have questions, IT support is just a phone call (or click) away! Call 303-871-4700 or request help online.

  
  Avoid Distractions

  If you can, find a space in your home that can be used as a dedicated work area. When working from home, it’s easy to get distracted by personal chores like laundry, walking the dog, emptying the dishwasher, etc. The best way to stay focused is to establish and maintain a daily work routine. It may sound strange, but this includes showering and dressing for work! Many people find this helpful to get into the right frame of mind.

  
  Know When to Stop

  The importance of routine also applies to the end of the work day. The ritual of commuting home often helps separate work and home life. When working from home, those lines can become more easily blurred.

  
  Wellbeing

  Be mindful of your wellbeing while working from home. Stay hydrated and remember to get up and stretch about once every hour.

  
  Check In

  Although working from home may initially sound appealing, it can get lonely. Most of us are used to having informal interactions with our colleagues every day and some may experience a sense of isolation. Check in with your colleagues and see how they are doing. Make time for ice breakers, even if that is not a part of your normal meeting practice.

  
  Pay

  Remember, non-exempt employees who work remotely when DU is open should be paid for hours worked at their regular hourly rate of pay. Overtime must be approved in advance.

  
  Establish and Reinforce Accountability and Norms

  Work groups should establish norms regarding how they will work together remotely. Make sure you have a way to communicate with everyone. Managers should set clear expectations for communication. Continue to communicate goals and don’t forget to celebrate successes!

  
  Virtual Meetings

  Agendas

  While you may not always utilize agendas for your in-person meetings, consider making this a practice for virtual meetings. Even some simple bullet points on topics for discussion will help everyone get on the same page more quickly.

  Meeting Etiquette

  Remind everyone to mute their phones and mics if using computer audio. Be aware of your surroundings and what will be visible when on a video call.

  Be Mindful

  Virtual meetings can make it hard to tell when someone is trying to share a point of view. Meeting facilitators, ask the group if there are additional thoughts before moving to the next topic. A colleague may talk over you and not even realize it! Be patient as everyone adjusts.

  Action Items

  Before the meeting ends, make sure everyone understands next steps, as well as their own responsibilities and timelines.

  Be Patient

  Working remotely, especially for extended periods of time, will be new for many of us. Ask colleagues if they need help or if they are experiencing hurdles that make remote work challenging. Problem solve together!

• Resources for Managing and Working Remotely

  The LinkedIn Learning Pathways listed below address a wide range of topics for managers and employees on such practical matters as time management, employee motivation, and more.

  • Managing in a Remote Environment (for managers)
  • Working in a Remote Environment (for all employees)

• Flexible Work Policy Toolkit

  Our toolkit will provide you with Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new flexible work policy, links to recorded training videos, instructions on how to fill out the Flexible Work Request Form and more resources.

  Visit our Toolkit.

Drug-Free Workplace

It is the University's policy to maintain a drug-free workplace and to comply with all reporting and other obligations as imposed by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, as amended, and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as amended. The University promotes a healthy and safe educational, professional, and residential community where drugs and alcohol do not interfere with individual performance, personal success, public safety, or the integrity of the learning environment. For help with substance abuse issues, check out the DU Health & Counseling Center's Collegiate Recovery Program.