University of Florida employees ordered back into the office; work-from-home schedules eliminated

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Employees at the University of Florida will be returning to in-person work in a month’s time, according to a letter obtained by TV20.

Leaders at UF are ending the COVID-19 pandemic-era accommodations for remote work at the university. Some employees had been allowed work-from-home and hybrid schedules ever since.

“Organizations are finding that shared physical workspaces promote stronger community bonds, more effective onboarding and mentorship, and enhanced opportunities for creative problem-solving and collaboration — attributes that are essential to UF’s excellence,” the letter states.

UF Human Resources will oversee the return to in-person over the next 30 days. Officials anticipate some space constraints on campus in the short term.

The full memo sent to staff is posed below:

“Dear university community,

Over the past several years, the faculty and staff of the University of Florida have demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the face of unprecedented change. For example, our employees continued to work effectively in the midst of COVID in 2020 and then transitioned back to pre-COVID normal operations, including in-person teaching and in-office work. In certain cases, hybrid and remote work schedules were developed due to space constraints or transitional needs.

As we look ahead, we are reaffirming our commitment to the university’s mission and priorities —including fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation, supports student success and strengthens our broader community. To that end, I have asked UF Human Resources (UFHR) to oversee a full return to in-person work over the next 30 days for employees currently working under remote or hybrid arrangements.

This decision aligns with national trends across business, education and government sectors. Organizations are finding that shared physical workspaces promote stronger community bonds, more effective onboarding and mentorship, and enhanced opportunities for creative problem-solving and collaboration — attributes that are essential to UF’s excellence.

We are aware that space constraints in some units may present short-term challenges. To address this, I’ve asked the CFO’s Office, the Provost’s Office, and the Office of Construction, Facilities, and Real Estate to work closely with UFHR and unit leaders to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Employees with questions about the return-to-workplace process are encouraged to consult with their college or administrative unit leadership, including their college/unit HR professional, who can provide guidance specific to their unit.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the University of Florida. I am so grateful for the privilege I have had the past ten years to be a member of the UF community and for all my fellow employees who contribute so much to our university.

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University of Florida employees ordered back into the office; work-from-home schedules eliminated

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