Berkeley Engineering hybrid work schedule

As part of an effort to support operational needs while building a more cohesive workplace community, Berkeley Engineering is standardizing a hybrid work schedule of at least three (3) days in person and two (2) days remote per week for full-time staff. The change will take effect on Sept. 1, 2026, for the majority of college employees, with a projected date of Oct. 18, 2026, for Student Services and Research and Public Professionals employees. Any employee group with an exception to these dates have been notified by HR Director Immaculate Adesida. Below is an FAQ for staff returning on Sept. 1, 2026, only.

The decision to establish a college-wide framework for a hybrid work schedule was made after careful consideration of the existing policy. We anticipate improved efficiency in communications and a greater sense of community when workers are able to interact with each other in person, including times outside of scheduled work meetings. In-person work also enables the college to ensure employees have the resources and environment they need to do their best work.

We recognize that this change to a hybrid schedule represents a significant transition for some. We encourage staff to work with their managers on ways to make this transition as smooth as possible.

We value your contributions to Berkeley Engineering and appreciate your participation as we adapt to this new college-wide schedule. Below are some common questions we’ve heard with answers to help you prepare for the new schedule.

Hybrid work schedule FAQs

General questions

Yes. Unless otherwise notified, this policy applies to all COE staff, although the start date will vary for some bargaining units. Specific schedule structures may vary by department and individual roles.

Departments and units have the option of implementing a schedule with more in-person work days per week than the collegewide framework, as needed. The choices are:

Option 1: 3 days in-person / 2 days remote
Option 2: 4 days in-person / 1 day remote
Option 3: 5 days in-person

Different departments and roles have varying operational needs. The flexibility in options allows department heads to choose the structure that best supports their team’s responsibilities.

There are no changes to the current 3/2 baseline schedule expected at this time.

Schedule and in-person requirements

Your immediate manager will determine the appropriate schedule option for your team based on operational needs and staff roles.

Yes, it is possible. Managers may assign different schedules based on individual roles and operational needs. This may mean that some staff members will be required to work more in-person days than their co-workers.

Your manager will determine the specific in-person and remote days for you and your team based on operational needs. Please reach out to your supervisor or department head for clarification on your specific schedule.

Certain roles — such as facilities and building support, technical support, reception, and safety officers — may require a fully in-person schedule (Option 3: 5 days in-person) based on the nature of the work. Your supervisor will communicate this to you directly.

Departments and units will follow the minimum of 3 days in the office and 2 days flexible working from home. However, individual teams and staff members may be required to work more days in person based upon the needs of the department.

Employees will need to work with their supervisor to determine if that is a possibility. Projects and priorities may require extra time in office and do not automatically equate to adjusted remote work time. Staff can work with their Department Manager to determine if schedule adjustments are necessary.

Yes. It is appropriate for staff to be onsite full-time at the beginning of their appointment to support training and job orientation. Such exceptions to the regular schedule should be reflected in the Flexible Work Agreement.

Yes, it is appropriate for a manager to request staff be on site at the beginning of the semester to ensure a smooth transition into the semester for students. Such exceptions to the regular schedule should be reflected in the Flexible Work Agreement.

Yes. A major motivation for implementing the hybrid work schedule is fostering a culture of collaboration and community. All staff are considered valuable members of the college.

Flexible work agreement (FWA)

A Flexible Work Agreement is a formal document that outlines your approved hybrid work arrangement. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all staff working a hybrid schedule (Options 1 or 2) have a signed FWA on file. Staff working fully in-person (Option 3) do not need to submit an FWA.

To complete the FWA:

Meet with your manager to discuss your schedule
Fill out the FWA completely to include hours and days in office. Include what equipment has been provided for you at both your home and on- campus office.
Sign your FWA and ask your supervisor to sign.
The supervisor or department manager should retain the original copy.
Send a copy of the completed FWA to HR Director Immaculate Adesida: immaculatead@berkeley.edu
The FWA should be in place one business day prior to starting your hybrid work schedule.

The FWA is in effect for 12 months and can be renewed, modified, extended or revoked.

The flexible work agreement intends to outline a basic schedule that is adhered to as a general expectation. It is appropriate for you and your manager to determine if there are times during the year that the agreement needs to be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the department.

The Table in Exhibit A should be filled out to share with HR the proposed plan for your work schedule. Example:

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
On site? Y or N?	Yes		Yes
Remote? Y or N?		Yes		Yes
On Site Start Time	8:00 am		8:00 am	8:00 am
On Site End Time	5:00 pm		5:00 pm	5:00 pm
Remote Start Time		8:00 am
Remote End Time		5:00 pm

	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
On site? Y or N?	Yes	N/A	N/A
Remote? Y or N?
On Site Start Time	8:00 am
On Site End Time	5:00 pm
Remote Start Time
Remote End Time

Work hours & expectations

All full-time staff, whether exempt or hourly, are expected to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week, regardless of whether they are working in person or remotely. The FWA can reflect modified hours as long as the schedule totals 40 hours per week. Remote days are not reduced-hour days.

If you are working .5 FTE, you would work a minimum of 1 day in person. If you are working a .75 FTE, you would work a minimum of 2 days in person.

Exceptions to the standard schedule may be granted at the discretion of your direct supervisor with appropriate justification. Speak with your direct supervisor if you need to request an exception.

Contact your direct supervisor to discuss your specific circumstances and request an exception.

In the case of a request for appeal, the following steps should be taken. Please schedule a meeting in this order:

Direct Supervisor
Department Chair, Manager or Department Leadership (next level manager).
HR Director Immaculate Adesida. To contact Immaculate, please use this form to request an appointment.

Childcare is the responsibility of the employee. Full-time employees are expected to maintain a 40-hour workweek. As has been the case, please notify your supervisor when time is needed for medical appointments.

Please work with your direct supervisor to request changes to your specific schedule. As long as the baseline of 3 on campus days are met, the change doesn’t disrupt the office workflow and your direct supervisor agrees with the change, changes can be made. An update to your FWA should be made and sent to Immaculate Adesida.

A list of public transit options can be found online through the Parking & Transportation (P&T) office. P&T also offers information about parking on campus, including the option to have parking permits deducted from your paycheck, for those who choose to drive.

For exempt employees – In-office work days are 8 hours. Exceptions on a rare, occasional basis can be approved by your supervisor.

For non-exempt employees – Refer to your union contract regarding your expected hours.

In general, employees are expected to work a minimum of 8 hours per day in the office.

Remote work expectations

Yes. You are expected to be available and productive during your full standard work hours on remote days, just as you would be on in-person days.

To maintain accessibility while working away from campus, please ensure your office extension, if available, is redirected to your preferred secondary number. Additionally, team members can utilize campus-supported digital communication tools, such as Google Meet or Zoom, for voice and video interactions, g-chat and email.

Managers & department heads

We encourage you to communicate with your supervisor to discuss your situation. If needed, you may also contact the COE HR Director for guidance.

In the case of a request for appeal, the following steps should be taken. Please schedule a meeting in this order:

Direct Supervisor
Department Chair, Manager or Department Leadership (next level manager).
HR Director Immaculate Adesida. To contact Immaculate, please use this form to request an appointment.

Additional help & contacts

For HR-related questions, please contact:

Immaculate Adesida, COE HR Director
immaculatead@berkeley.edu

For schedule-specific questions, please contact your direct supervisor.

For additional information, please refer to the People & Culture FAQ about Flexible Work Arrangements