Dynamic Work Strategies at FAS
Many of our staff members are now working and managing in a remote or hybrid format. The resources below will help FAS managers and staff support the FAS mission of excellence in teaching and research whether you're working on or off campus.
Harvard's Dynamic Work Guidelines and Resources
FAS staff and managers work in a variety of ways as the role calls for from remote to hybrid and entirely on campus. Dynamic work resources include:
- Guiding Principles of Dynamic Work for Harvard Staff
- Dynamic Work Overview Video
- Dynamic Work Model Definitions
- Dynamic Work Glossary of Terms and Definitions
- Dynamic Work Model Assessment Guidelines
- Dynamic Work Frequently Asked Questions
- FAS Flexwork Document Proposal Form
- Developing and Documenting the Plan with the Flexwork Form
- Resources for Making It Work and Measuring Success
Managing Performance from a Distance
Communication between managers and staff members is more important than ever in a hybrid work environment. Here are some things to keep in mind as you manage performance on campus and beyond:
- Manage to deliverables, not to perceived effort. Your staff members should have a clear sense of what they need to accomplish as well as when the work needs to be delivered. Even if you can’t directly observe your staff members working, you should have an understanding of what work is getting done.
- Continue to have regular check-ins. Communication is more important than ever as we get used to a remote work environment. Maintain regular contact with your staff members via Zoom, email, Microsoft Teams, or other resources that work for your team. Regular contact will help you address any new problems that arise and to manage any recurring issues.
- (Re)set expectations. Clearly communication any new expectations you have for your employees. There shouldn’t be any surprises during the annual summary conversation. Tools like Microsoft Teams can help managers and staff members keep track of projects and maintain accountability.
For more, check out Addressing Challenging Situations in Remote Management: A Guide for FAS Managers.
Resources for Staff
Technical Resources for Working Remotely or Hybrid
- FAS has developed a hybrid meetings guide to help foster best practices.
- Digital Accessibility Services has tools and resources for hosting accessible remote meetings and events.
- Learn more about Zoom, both as a user and scheduler, in a training via the Harvard Training Portal.
- The American Occupational Therapy Assocation has provided helpful ergonomic tips for working at home.
Dynamic Professional Development Resources
- CWD has assembled a list of self-paced and live sessions about dynamic work as well as a Dynamic Work Microlearning Series.
- LinkedInLearning is an online training resource available to the Harvard community free of charge. With LinkedinLearning, you have unlimited access to a library of almost 15,000 video tutorials, taught by expert instructors. Courses include topics like How to Work Remotely as well as skills such as MS Office and SharePoint; Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator; Drupal, CSS and SQL; Final Cut, Avid and iMovie.
- The Harvard Training Portal brings together all of your compliance and professional development in one platform. All work instructions, courses and transcript information you found in those systems are now in the training portal, along with third-party content from LinkedinLearning and Harvard ManageMentor.
Resources for Managing Dynamic Teams
- FAS has developed a checklist for managers of hybrid teams.
- Harvard has updated guidelines around flexwork.
- Harvard ManageMentor is a free, online resource that offers excellent developmental opportunities.
- The Harvard Business School has advice on how to bond with new hires remotely.