The Staff Council reports:

Work Agreement on Flexible Hours

On October 1, 2020, the new Work Agreement on Flexible Hours(DV GLAZ) went into effect. This means that all non-academic employees in the administration, the departments, and the central administrative units will be covered by a flexible hours system going forward. The new work agreement allows employees a high degree of flexibility in their working hours. In the future, time tracking will be handled via a work-time account.

The departments mentioned above will be gradually integrated into the new flex-time system. The established flex-time framework—with work starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m.—offers the greatest possible flexibility. TUK employees can use these flexible hours to tailor their workload and schedules individually to their work hours.

There is generally no longer a mandatory presence period (core working hours); however, this must always be coordinated with the supervisor, taking into account any necessary service hours where applicable.

Further information and a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on this topic can be found on our website on the Human Resources Department pages at https://www.uni-kl.de/intern/meine-tuk/hauptabteilung-3/informationen-und-downloads/

under the heading “Working Hours.”

Work Agreement on Alternating Digital Work

In parallel with the adoption of the work agreement on flex time, the Staff Council is developing, in consultation with university administration, a work agreement that will allow for digital work from home in the future, taking institutional needs into account. Employees would then be able to request so-called “work-from-home” arrangements in consultation with their supervisor. Detailed regulations regarding scope, application procedures, etc., are currently being discussed and will then be incorporated into the planned service agreement.

Work Agreement on ProtectionofNon-Smokers

In collaboration with the Occupational Health Management (BGM) team, the work agreement on the protection of non-smokers has been updated.

The overall goal is to achieve a smoke-free campus. However, to accommodate smokers as well, the Staff Council and the BGM team plan to establish smoking areas on campus. These are to be located at a reasonable distance from the buildings.

Service Agreement on Workplace Integration Management (BEM)

The BEM, which is regulated by law, is offered to all employees who, within the last 12 months, have been unable to work or perform their duties due to illness for more than 30 workdays or 42 calendar days. It will be tailored individually to the situation of those affected and serves to maintain and promote employees’ health in order to overcome or prevent further periods of inability to work and to avert health-related risks. This includes, for example, health-promoting resources such as height-adjustable desks, specialized office chairs, or ergonomic aids for computer use. Additional measures may include conflict resolution, changes to work organization, and occupational health counseling in the workplace.

Parking Situation on Campus

The parking situation has become more difficult in recent months for TUK students and employees. The expanded flex-time zone can help alleviate this problem. Thanks to more flexible working hours, employees can use train or bus connections that fit their schedules. This way, some people can leave their cars at home and switch to an affordable commuter pass.

COVID-19

The staff council is involved in these processes, partly automatically through co-determination rights and partly through participation in consultations, e.g., within the crisis management team. We also serve as a point of contact for questions from our employees regarding this topic. The health of our colleagues is always our top priority. Through unscheduled inspections—sometimes accompanied by university leadership—we aim to identify and eliminate problem areas to minimize the risk of infection wherever possible.

We hope that together we can get through this difficult time and that everyone stays healthy.