When this is the case, the department has the right to deny a request for a flexible work arrangement. However, with so many choices available, it is often possible to design an arrangement that meets the needs of both the employee and the department. In addition, Human Resources offers workshops to help both employees and supervisors design the most effective plan. Employee Relations Specialists are also available for consultation. Once the assessment has been completed, the arrangement can be continued on an indefinite basis, or modified in some way, or the employee can return to the previous work arrangement.
Departments retain control of work arrangements.
An employee always drops off his child at school at the same time each morning, and goes directly from there to work. An employee is in a vanpool that meets at the same time each day. The department opens to the public at a certain hour, and the employee, as the department's only receptionist, must be present to greet callers. Communication is generally easiest when schedules are fixed. By coordinating their schedules, the department may be able to assure continuous coverage, and may even be able to extend service hours.