Frequently Asked Questions

If approved to work a flexible work schedule, can my schedule be changed at any time?

Yes, all schedules can be changed at any time to meet departmental needs and in accordance with applicable rules and policies.

What is a 4/10 work schedule?

4/10s refers to an employee working four, ten-hour days as opposed to the standard five, eight-hour days (5/8s).

Are there other options for flexible scheduling other than 4/10s?

Yes, a flexible schedule may include any schedule that deviates from the standard five, eight-hour (5/8s) days as determined by departmental needs.

Contact HRS regarding designation of the official work week.

What is a “main” administrative office?

Typically, the “main” administrative office will be the primary area the public, students or employees contact on a routine basis. Check with your Appointing Authority for clarification as to what departments or areas are to remain open.

I am overtime eligible. Can I combine my two fifteen minute breaks to leave earlier?

No. Rest periods are granted for every four hours worked and must be taken no later than the end of the third working hour in accordance with RCW 49.12 (Industrial Welfare) and WAC 296-126-092 (Meal periods—Rest periods).

I am overtime eligible. Can I work through my lunch to leave earlier?

Yes, if in accordance with RCW 49.12.187 (Collective bargaining rights not affected), you complete the Meal & Rest Period Agreement and receive prior approval from your manager.

Will all faculty and staff approved to work flexible schedules have Mondays or Fridays off?

No, working a flexible schedule does not automatically mean you will have Mondays or Fridays off. You may be scheduled off on any day of the week.

Who decides what day I will be scheduled off if I work a flexible schedule?

Your supervisor will determine the schedule in accordance with the needs of the operations and applicable rules or policies.

Where can I find information about schedule changes and accounting for holidays for Bargaining Unit employees?

Refer to the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement on the Labor Relations website.

How will I access my building or office?

You will need to coordinate with your manager to assure you have access to the building and office outside of normal business hours.

If I am overtime eligible, how do I account for my schedule on university holidays?

If the holiday falls on your regular scheduled work day you will be paid for the holiday. A full-time employee receives eight hours of holiday pay. Any differences between the scheduled shift for the day and eight hours may be adjusted by use of vacation leave, accrued compensatory time, or leave without pay. For example, a full-time employee on a 4/10s schedule, would receive eight (8) hours of holiday pay and would need to account for two hours with the use of  annual leave, accrued compensatory time, and/or leave without pay to equal ten hours. Bargaining Unit employees should refer to the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement on the Labor Relations website.

NOTE: An employee must be in paid status the work day prior to the holiday in order to receive pay for the holiday.

If I am overtime eligible, how do I account for my hours if the holiday falls on my regular scheduled day off?

The following options are available:

  • Administrative Professional employees:
    • You may take an “in lieu of holiday” day. This must be used as a full day.
    • You may request to flex your schedule. For example, a full-time employee may request to work eight (8) hour days that week.
  • Civil Service employees:
  • Bargaining Unit employees:
    • Refer to the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement on the Labor Relations website.

If I am not overtime eligible, how do I account for my schedule on university holidays?

If the holiday falls on you regular scheduled work day then you will be paid for the holiday.

How do I complete my time report when accounting for a university holiday?

If the University holiday falls on a regularly scheduled work day, record the scheduled work hours under the appropriate date as Holiday.

If the University holiday falls on a regularly scheduled day off, refer to WAC 357-31-030 (Holiday falls on an employee’s scheduled day off). Specify “Regularly scheduled day off was on a WSU holiday” in the Comments section. When the employee is authorized to take holiday hours on an alternate date, record the hours taken under the date as Holiday. Specify which holiday was used in Comments.

Resources

Administrative Professional

Civil Service

Bargaining Unit

  • Refer to the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement on the Labor Relations website.

Faculty