Work from Home pilot begins

Okanagan College’s Work From Home (WFH) pilot program launches today, Oct. 18. Employees interested in learning more about the pilot are encouraged to: 

• Visit the WFH webpage  
• Read the Employee Guide, where you will find information about eligibility, timelines, and the application and approval process. 

Background 

The Work from Home (WFH) pilot will help the College understand the feasibility, benefits, challenges, technical and logistical considerations of WFH arrangements and what needs to be considered in the development of a formal policy WFH or Flexible Work Arrangements policy. The pilot also hopes to identify the required training and support employees need to effectively WFH. The WFH pilot will explore how effective hybrid work arrangements are for employees and the College, how such arrangements support work/life balance, well-being, recruitment, and retention. Learn more about the key objectives and guiding principles.  

Application and approval process 

Over the next few weeks, supervisors will begin discussions with employees/teams to assess whether remote work is suitable for your position/department as the first step in the process. Learn more about the full application and approval process.  

Eligibility 

The pilot program applies to all non-instructional employees of Okanagan College. Instructional employees will continue to operate under their current work arrangements. Learn more about eligibility. 

Timelines 

This pilot program will be offered between October 18, 2021 – April 30, 2022 and will then be evaluated. It is anticipated that the WFH initiative will continue between May 1 – August 31, 2022 while the evaluation of the pilot project takes place and a comprehensive flexible work policy is developed. 

Thank you to you everyone who has provided input into the planning and development of the pilot. If you have any questions about participating in the pilot, please reach out to your supervisor or HR advisor; if you have any questions about the pilot itself, feel free to reach out to any of the steering committee members below. 

Sincerely, 

The WFH Steering Committee 

Gill Henderson, Director, Human Resources  

Jane Lister, Regional Dean, North Okanagan 

Curtis Morcom, Vice President, Corporate Services 

Jordan Perrey, Director, IT Services  

Tyler Finley, Interim Director, Public Affairs