Alternative Work Tasks

laptop on home desk

Content

There may be times the university issues an Instructional Continuity Day, or a weather-related shutdown. During these days, essential employees are expected to report for work on campus as assigned by their supervisor. Non-essential employees are expected to work their normal schedules from a remote location.

Some job duties may be difficult to perform remotely. To prepare for these situations, departments and supervisors should discuss expectations in advance and make sure employees have the tools and resources they need to work from home whenever possible.

For employees whose regular duties cannot be completed remotely, supervisors may assign alternative work tasks that support departmental goals and university operations. These tasks should be meaningful, appropriate for the employee's role, and able to be completed away from campus.

Tip for Supervisors: Consider creating a department-specific list of approved alternative work tasks before winter weather season begins so employees know what to work on if a closure occurs.

Additional Support

If you need consultation, please contact our UNL HR Employee Relations team at hroffice@unl.edu.

Best Practices for Managing a Remote Team

Potential Alternative Work Tasks for Staff

Professional Development
Organize and Improve Your Work
  • Clean and organize digital files and folders.
  • Review and update files or reference materials.
  • Create or update checklists for routine tasks.
  • Organize notes, manuals, or handbooks used in your job.
  • Identify outdated documents or web pages that need revision.
  • Draft ideas for improving work processes.
Plan and Prepare
  • Create a plan for upcoming projects or events.
  • Develop goals and priorities for the next month.
  • Review calendars and prepare for future meetings.
  • Create templates for emails, forms, or reports.
  • Update project timelines and task lists.
  • Brainstorm solutions to current workplace challenges.
Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
  • Write step-by-step instructions for tasks you perform (Standard Operating Procedure or SOP).
  • Document frequently asked questions and answers.
  • Create quick-reference guides for coworkers.
  • Update department resource lists.
  • Record lessons learned from recent projects.
  • Draft onboarding materials for new employees.
Communication and Collaboration
  • Prepare agendas for future meetings.
  • Draft communications, newsletters, or announcements.
  • Review and update contact lists.
  • Create follow-up plans for ongoing projects.
  • Identify stakeholders who may need future outreach.
Creative and Continuous Improvement Projects
  • Brainstorm ideas to improve customer service or employee experience.
  • Develop new training, workshop, or presentation ideas.
  • Review departmental workflows and identify inefficiencies.
  • Create recommendations for simplifying processes.
  • Design recognition ideas for coworkers or teams.
  • Develop ideas for increasing engagement and collaboration.
Tasks That Can Be Done Without Internet Access
  • Read printed manuals, policies, or professional books.
  • Review handwritten notes and organize key information.
  • Draft procedures or project plans on paper.
  • Create flowcharts or process maps by hand.
  • Outline future presentations or training sessions.
  • Complete brainstorming exercises for departmental improvements.
  • Organize paper records and work materials.
  • Develop personal work goals and action plans.
Reflection and Strategic Thinking
  • Identify successes and challenges from the past year.
  • Evaluate current work practices and suggest improvements.
  • Consider ways to better serve students, employees, or customers.
  • Reflect on team strengths and opportunities for growth.
  • Develop ideas for increasing efficiency, accessibility, or inclusion.