Policy on Remote Work

*Published on March 12, 2020*

Dear Colleagues:

As part of our ongoing updates related to COVID-19, we are instituting the following temporary policy change.

Policy on Remote Work

Over the past week, the university communicated a change in policy for high-risk employees, including:

• People 60 years of age or older;
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes;
• People who have weakened immune systems; and 
• People who are pregnant.

Beginning today, in accordance with guidance from public health authorities and with a goal of reducing density on campus, we are making the following temporary change to the remote work policy:

The university is encouraging managers to work with employees (irrespective of risk groups) to enable remote work wherever possible, while ensuring business continuity. We realize that some positions are more conducive to remote work than others.

This policy applies to Northeastern’s campuses in Massachusetts (Boston, Burlington, Nahant), Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

We would like to reiterate that if you are sick, or think you are sick please stay at home. Do not come to work and please contact your medical care provider.

Importantly, the university will not close. Critical functions—such as public safety, facilities, dining services, and others—will continue. The university will continuously evaluate this policy change and make adjustments as needed.

Sincerely,

 

Michael Armini

Senior Vice President for External Affairs

 

Kenneth W. Henderson

Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning