Reboarding

Working in a hybrid work environment is new for AU. We are excited about the opportunities it brings to reimagine a workplace that combines elements of remote work with the benefits of campus presence.

Supervisors are key to launching and maintaining good team and work practices in the hybrid environment through reboarding conversations. Supervisors should facilitate conversations about operational considerations, such as schedules and coverage, communications, customer service, and goal achievement. Discuss team norms like how they want to interact, socialize, appreciate each other, and other communal work and life aspects. 

The hybrid work environment makes intentional discussions necessary to ensure everyone understands the expectations while providing their perspective. 

Tools that may help with these discussions:

• Hybrid Work Reboarding Template
• Discussion Planner

Space use

Generally, the university advises that larger staff and faculty meetings remain virtual this fall. However, up to 5 people may gather in an office if they follow the face-covering directives and other safety protocols. Safety guidelines may change, so please follow the latest information from the university.

You may find the following guidance helpful:

• AU Forward Health and Safety Plan

Managing return to campus anxiety

Everything about our hybrid workplace is in the current context of the COVID-19 virus. The safety and security of the AU community is our priority, and the health and safety protocols are designed to mitigate the risk to members of our community of contracting COVID-19 and transmitting it to others.

During reboarding discussions, there will be questions about how and when teams should gather, differing comfort levels, and wanting to be safe yet inclusive and respectful of others' wishes.

Supervisors should listen carefully to team members and incorporate their feedback into a team approach to in-person and virtual meetings; these are good reboarding conversations. Then, they should make decisions based upon space or outdoor availability, preferences, hybrid modalities, and the nature of the meeting.