Flexible schedules

On this page

• Reduced work week options
• Other flexible schedule options
• Next steps

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Reduced work week options

1. Job share

Two employees establish a formal agreement to share the responsibility of one position.

Example

Paul and Grace each work 2.5 days per week to fulfil the duties and obligations of a single position.

Key success factors:

• There is always one person on duty
• A job share agreement is created to outline how time away (such as vacation and sick days) will be handled
• Job share partners are organized, communicate well with each and with their supervisor and have similar viewpoints and approaches towards work habits and standards
• Job share partners have mutual respect for each other and are equally committed to making the arrangement successful
• Job share partners are flexible to rearrange their schedules to make themselves available when required

2. Part-time work

An employee works less than full-time and their pay is based on the reduced number of hours.

Example

Jenna reduces her normal work schedule to four hours per day from Monday to Friday.

Key success factors:

• Hours are reduced only to the point that business, operational and customer needs can continue to be met
• Employees remain flexible to periodically adjusting their schedules when required

Other flexible schedule options

Planned leaves

A variety of paid and unpaid leave options are available. Discuss with your supervisor.

Modified work week for bargaining unit employees

Daily scheduled work hours can be increased to allow for time off on a regularly scheduled basis. Modified work weeks are negotiated at the local level by the worksite manager and shop steward for that worksite in accordance with the terms of the applicable collective agreement(s).

Example

John works an additional 30 minutes each day and takes every third Friday off.

Key success factors:

• Staff must coordinate work schedules to ensure continuous coverage of business, operational and customer services
• Modified schedule is subject to revision as required
• Modified schedule remains within the hours of operation
• Modified days are taken as scheduled, not saved up for extended periods of absence

Other  example work schedules include:

• Work four days each week (4) – the workday shall be 8 hours and 45 minutes
• Work four days every second week (5/4) – the workday shall be 7 hours and 47 minutes
• Work four days every fourth week (5/5/5/4) – the workday shall be 7 hours and 22 minutes

Modified work weeks are inconsistent with the terms and conditions of employment for excluded employees and therefore inappropriate for excluded staff. 

Schedule A excluded staff are an exception and may pursue such arrangements as business and operational requirements permit.

For bargaining unit employees, refer to individual collective agreements for modified work week entitlement, schedules and administration.