Work Succeeding provides guidance, tools, and policies for flexible work arrangements at the Institute.
Start Here
If you are a manager at the Institute, there's a toolkit for you as well. Find it here.
Use the toolkit below to learn more about flexible work environments at MIT.
You may wish to start with:
- a short summary of the toolkit materials (PDF, two pages)
- overview video to learn how to navigate the toolkits.
When you're ready, you may download below the specific toolkit sections that interest you, or the entire toolkit.
Please note that while the general guidance in this toolkit can be used by union employees, the specific recommendations regarding flexible work environments are not intended for this population.
Toolkit for Employees by Section
Introduction
Understand the goals of Work Succeeding and how to use the materials and guidance provided in this toolkit.
Section 1: Work Decisions and Design
A framework for understanding various work models, and which may work best for different types of teams.
What's in this section:
Expectations, Processes, and Guiding Principles: A collection of the roles and expectations, decision-making processes, and guiding principles for DLCIs, managers, and employees to consider in developing their future work arrangements
Overview of Potential Work Models: A summary of the work models (on-site, hybrid, remote) and a discussion of which models work best for different types of teams
Employee Personas: A collection of employee personas that can aid in understanding various employee perspectives
Download this Section
Section 2: Work Planning Protocols
After you understand the context for how to make decisions, use Section 2 to organize your thoughts in preparation for meeting with your manager.
What's in this section:
Policies and Guidelines Related to Flexible Work: A collection of the Institute’s policies and guidelines related to flexible work, including links to MIT websites that detail the processes, and specific considerations for managers and employees to consider
Recommended Work Planning Steps: Steps and associated activities/templates for you to use when planning for the future work model
Frequently Asked Work Planning Questions: A collection of common questions regarding the work planning process
Additional Resources:
These materials are intended to serve as templates for you to modify as needed. They are provided as Word documents so community members and teams are able to edit the wording, add signature fields, or make other adjustments.
- Work Planning Conversation Guide (Exercise C) (Word document, 2 pages, direct download)
- Work Planning Exercise (Exercise D) (Word document, 2 pages, direct download)
- Team Member Work Plan Template (Form A) (Word document, 2 pages, direct download)
- Team Work Plan Template (Form B) (Word document, 2 pages, direct download)
Section 3: Technology and Equipment
How to work effectively with a virtual component, and guidance on technology and equipment.
What's in this section:
Overview of Technology and Equipment Available to DLCIs: A summary of the items and resources available to MIT employees who utilize some portion of remote work, recognizing that processes will differ by DLCI
Common Guidance on Technology and Equipment: Questions and answers about technology and equipment, including ADA compliance – and links to resources
Best Practices for Using Technology: Guidance on how you can effectively use technology in a flexible environment to promote efficient collaboration
Section 4: Culture, Well-Being, and Inclusion
Tools and resources to foster an inclusive team environment that prioritizes well-being and a positive team culture.
What's in this section:
Best Practices for Supporting Team Well-Being
Resources for Ensuring Inclusive Practices on a Team
Section 5: Communication and Collaboration
Resources and best practices related to communication and collaboration within and across teams while navigating a flexible work environment.
Guidance on How to Work in a Hybrid Environment: Considerations and advice for how teams should work in a flexible format
Tips and Tricks for Effectively Working Together: Guidance on how team members can communicate and collaborate in order to foster an open, efficient, and creative work environment
Toolkit for Employees – Full Version
Policies and Guidelines
- See MIT's updated policy on Flexible Work Arrangements in the Employment Policy Manual
- See guidelines for equipment when working remotely
Need Help?
Coaches are available to assist you with the toolkit and to help you prepare for a conversation with your manager. Send your request to worksucceeding@mit.edu.
You may also contact your local HR representative or your Human Resources Officer. For general questions about Work Succeeding, visit our FAQ.
MIT is committed to providing an environment that is accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. If you need a disability-related accommodation to access these materials, please email worksucceeding@mit.edu.