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Hybrid Working Approver Process  

This page provides an overview of the Hybrid Working request process from the point of view of the Approver rather than the Employee making the request.

The process on this page covers the Hybrid Working requests via InfoHub and is applicable to all employees other than faculty. The process must be completed by direct the line manager (‘’the Approver’).

Step 1 - Proactive Conversation

Where possible, line managers should meet with their direct reports to discuss hybrid working arrangements prior to the employee making the request via InfoHub.

This conversation is important in order to manage expectations and discuss possible work patterns. Hybrid working requests may not be facilitated for a number of reasons, it is important that line managers discuss this in advance and if possible, discuss alternatives. 

Step 2 - Receive a notification

Line managers will receive a notification via InfoHub that a hybrid working request has been submitted. 

Step 3 - Consider the request 

In accordance with the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 2023 and the WRC Code of Practice on the Right to Request Remote Working, all employees have the right to request remote working. Therefore, approvers are required to consider all requests in a fair and objective way.

Approvers need to consider the request for hybrid working with regard to:

1. Hybrid Working Policy 

2. Criteria and Eligibility Guidelines for Hybrid Working 

a. University needs and the student needs 

b. Role suitability 

c. Employee needs and employee suitability 

d. Designated Workspace requirements 

e. Requirements of the WRC code of practice 

Step 4 - Approver submits response

Approver submits their response in accordance with the decision paths outlined below.

Decision Options for Hybrid Working Request

When reviewing a hybrid working request, line managers can take the following actions, consistent with the Hybrid Working Policy and the requirement for a minimum of 3 days per week on campus (and associated sites)

  • Approve 
  • Reject (Decline the request if it does not meet the policy or operational needs. A specific reason for the rejection required).
  • Seek further clarification to support the line managers decision making. 

Time to respond

A four-week timeline is in place for responding to hybrid working requests. This timeframe commences from the date of submission via InfoHub.

This timeline is in accordance with the University's statutory obligations under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Act 2023 and the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees, Right to Request Remote Work.

Line managers are encouraged to respond to a request as soon as possible, however all requests must be responded to within 4 weeks.

Decision Path for Exceptional Requests

Any request for a remote working arrangement, whether full or partial, that deviates from the approved University hybrid working policy (i.e. minimum of three days on-campus per week) are categorised as an 'exceptional request for remote work’.

Approval of the direct line manager and authorisation by Head of School/Unit and a relevant UMT member is required. 

Where exceptional requests for remote work are approved, six months’ service is required before the working arrangement can commence. 

Line Manager (approver) 

  • Submit to Head of School/Unit for consideration 
  • Reject (reason why the request has been rejected must be provided)
  • Seek further clarification from employee

Head of School/Unit (authoriser 1)

  • Approve (submit to College Principal for consideration)
  • Reject (reason why the request has been rejected must be provided)

College Principal (authoriser 2) 

  • Approve
  • Reject 

Time to respond

A four-week timeline is in place for responding to hybrid working requests. This timeframe commences from the date of submission via InfoHub.

This timeline is in accordance with the University's statutory obligations under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Act 2023 and the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees, Right to Request Remote Work.

Line managers are encouraged to respond to a request as soon as possible, however all requests must be responded to within 4 weeks.

UCD Human Resources

Roebuck Offices, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 4900 | E: hrhelpdesk@ucd.ie | Location Map(opens in a new window)