Supporting vibrant campuses and individual flexibility
The University of Waterloo is committed to building a vibrant campus experience grounded in collaboration, connection, and innovation. At the same time, we’ve heard clearly through recent Staff Association feedback that flexibility is important to how we balance our work and life commitments.
Our updated Flexible and Hybrid Work Guidelines, effective January 1, 2026, reflects that balance. It reaffirms that our campuses are the primary place of work for staff, while providing a clear framework for short-term flexibility and formal hybrid work arrangements when they support individual performance and operational needs.
What’s changing — and what’s not
Waterloo remains an in-person institution. That means:
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Our default expectation is that staff work from campus five days a week.
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Flexible work options — such as occasional schedule or location changes — are still available informally through conversations with your manager.
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Hybrid work arrangements — one or two remote days per week — may be requested, approved, and documented when they align with operational needs and support strong performance.
All existing hybrid work arrangements will expire on December 31, 2025. If you wish to continue or request a new arrangement, you’ll need to apply using the new process starting October 1, 2025.
Listening to employee voices
Throughout 2024 and 2025, we consulted with managers, Executive Council, and the Staff Association. Employees told us they value clarity, fairness, and the ability to manage short-term personal obligations without unnecessary bureaucracy.
This updated framework reflects those priorities. It’s built on three core principles:
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Vibrant campuses first
In-person collaboration supports exceptional teaching, research, and service.
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Operational excellence and team performance
Flexibility and hybrid work must support — not compromise — how we deliver on our goals.
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Clarity, consistency, and fairness
Clear processes and criteria help ensure everyone is treated equitably.
What’s the difference between flexible and hybrid work?
Waterloo distinguishes between two types of arrangements:
Flexible work
Short-term, informal changes to schedule or location. Examples include working from home during a medical appointment window, a school emergency, or to complete work requiring deep concentration. No formal approval or documentation is required — just a conversation with your manager.
Hybrid work
A formal, renewable arrangement that allows staff to work remotely up to two days per week. These requests must go through a structured review and approval process, and must clearly support individual productivity, team effectiveness, and departmental goals.
What to expect
Starting October 1, 2025, employees may:
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Submit requests for hybrid work arrangements using Workday.
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Access updated guides, information, and FAQs to help navigate the process.
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Read the new flexible and hybrid work guidelines announcement (user login required).
All approved arrangements will take effect on or after January 1, 2026, and must be reviewed annually.
Support and resources
Have questions?
Start by speaking with your manager and reviewing the frequently asked questions. For further support, contact your HR Partner.
List of available support resources
You can find everything you need using the following links: