We’re continually streamlining processes, encouraging consistent practices, simplifying deadlines, and building better data collection methods to inform strategic decisions. Beginning in 2026, for staff employees working remotely (in full or hybrid), supervisors will establish remote work expectations during their Expectation Conversation with staff. But first, to ensure reliable, consistent data on remote work is collected, a system reset is required.
Learn about the changes to the Remote Work Arrangement system
On Jan. 21, 2026, the Remote Work Arrangement (RWA) system, which documents remote work arrangements established by staff and their supervisors, was reset. Staff approved to work remotely are responsible for (re)submitting an RWA after their Expectation Conversation, in conjunction with the May 15 Performance at IU deadline.
What’s happening: On Jan. 21, IUHR reset and updated the RWA system to enhance data collection and align annual renewal deadlines with the pre-existing deadline for Performance at IU conversations.
Why: Currently, RWA data collection was inconsistent across the university, and past arrangements did not have a standardized end date. Therefore, data on remote work was unreliable and unsuitable for informing operations and strategic decisions.
What you need to know:
- All RWA data was inactivated on Jan. 21, 2026, including all approved and currently enroute submissions. The enhanced RWA system relaunched on Jan. 22, 2026.
- If they have one, staff may continue to work under the conditions of their previously approved RWA until their Expectation Conversation is complete and a new RWA is submitted.
- After confirming remote work plans with supervisors during Expectation Conversations, employees must complete a new RWA to document the arrangement no later than May 15 (units/areas may have earlier deadlines).
- The default RWA system approval workflow will not change. Employees submit, supervisors review and advance, and HR Business Partners approve. Some areas have additional routing and approvals, which remain at their discretion.
- Employees working out of state will be asked to validate the state they work in via the Employee Center to ensure accurate taxation. If the information is incorrect, they will need to work with the unit HR representative to have it corrected.
- New RWAs will have a fixed end date of May 15, 2027, and must be reviewed and renewed at least annually alongside Performance at IU Expectation Conversations.
Expectations of participants
Leaders:
- Talk to your staff and share the information on this page with them. Include any additional guidance provided by your unit/area leadership.
- Prepare for and schedule Expectation Conversations.
- Plan to discuss remote work expectations with employees who work remotely.
TAKE NOTE: If you have already held Expectation Conversations and/or submitted your 2026 Performance at IU attestations, you will need to have a brief update conversation with your staff who work remotely to discuss/set remote work expectations, then you will resubmit any completed Performance at IU attestations for those employees. - Remind employees who work remotely that they are responsible for submitting an RWA after your Expectation Conversation, but no later than May 15.
Staff:
- If you work remotely, understand how the change affects you.
- Are you currently working remotely? Continue with that work, as previously approved by your supervisor.
- Prepare to participate in your Expectation Conversation with your supervisor.
- If your unit/area offers it, discuss your remote work plans and expectations with your supervisor during your Expectation Conversation.
- After your Expectation Conversation, if you are approved by your supervisor to work remotely, submit your RWA form no later than May 15. Your unit/area may have earlier deadlines.
Common questions
Yes. During the Jan. 21 system reset, all existing RWA data was inactivated. Moving forward, each staff employee working remotely (whether in full or hybrid) must submit an RWA as part of the Performance at IU cycle.
Per the Remote Work for Staff and Part-Time Employees policy:
- Senior executive officers (president, vice presidents, chancellors) make the decision on whether and to what extent hybrid or fully remote work is available for their respective campuses or areas of responsibility.
- Decision-making may be delegated to deans, directors, or unit heads.
Yes. RWAs will now end on May 15 of the year following the submission, alongside the annual Performance at IU attestation deadline. The employee would discuss their remote work during their Expectation Conversation for 2027, then submit a new RWA before the May 15 deadline.
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