Standard Operating Procedures Four for Five Employment Options Policy
Staff members of Otago Polytechnic Limited may apply to vary the structure of their employment relationship for a set period of time (the Scheme period). During the Scheme period, they will be paid eighty percent (80%) of their normal salary and accrue Four for Five leave. There will be no substantive change in duties for staff whose application to join the Scheme is accepted and they will return to their substantive role once they leave the Scheme.
For clarity, the Scheme is a staff member benefit, and all 0.6 Fulltime Equivalents (FTE) or above permanent staff members can apply. It is initiated by staff member request and there is no requirement or expectation by Otago Polytechnic Limited that any staff member join the Scheme.
The two options are:
1. A two-and-a-half (2 ½) year Scheme period, comprised of two (2) work years and six (6) months leave.
2. A five (5) year Scheme period, comprised of four (4) work years and twelve (12) months leave.
The intention is that the leave period is to be taken as a consecutive period of six (6) months for option A and twelve (12) months for option B at the conclusion of the work years of the Scheme. A staff member can apply to the Deputy Chief Executive: People, Culture and Safety to split or defer the leave period as detailed in paragraph 14 of the Four to Five Policy.
The leave period is paid out at eighty percent (80%) of the normal salary at the time the leave is taken. The exception to this is if the staff member withdraws from the Scheme early (before the two and a half (2 ½) or five (5) years is completed), in this case, the accrued salary deductions will be reimbursed to them.
Four for Five Employment Options FAQ’s
What advantages are there in Four for Five employment?
Four for Five employment produces another option for the regular refreshment of staff members to pursue any activities which are important to them, e.g., leisure, travel, personal study, trying out other employment options. The Scheme is also a means by which staff members who are contemplating retirement can have a trial period of retirement and can reduce their income in preparation.
This has obvious advantages for both staff members and Otago Polytechnic Limited. It also is a way of creating opportunities within and/or for other Otago Polytechnic Limited or visiting staff members to gain experience.
What can staff members do in the period off on pay?
Anything they like – the only limitation is if a conflict of interest may arise. Aside from this Otago Polytechnic Limited has no claim on the time. The options might include:
- Further training
- Working for another employer
- Visiting other institutes/organisations
- Undertaking research, funded or unfunded, related, or unrelated
- Gaining industry experience
- Gaining higher or other qualifications
- Doing consultancies
- Setting up a business
- Travel
- Holiday
- Caring for dependents
- Writing a book.
Are there any employer and staff member obligations during the leave period?
Yes. Otago Polytechnic Limited has an obligation to keep your job for you to return to. The only exception to this is in the case of a bona fide surplus staffing situation in the staff member's area of employment. In this case, the staff member has all of the rights they would have enjoyed had they still been at work.
You have a common law obligation as a staff member of Otago Polytechnic Limited not to do anything by which you actively seek to undermine Otago Polytechnic Limited’s interests (known as the obligation of fidelity). You will remain employed by Otago Polytechnic Limited during your period of leave so the terms of your Employment Agreement regarding confidentiality, intellectual property and good faith remain applicable to you.
Is there any bond to return to Otago Polytechnic Limited after the leave period?
No. If you wish you may resign at the end of the leave period. Normal notice periods would apply.
What if I have to leave Otago Polytechnic Limited before my leave period in the Scheme?
Any deductions will be reimbursed to you.
Am I entitled to apply for Otago Polytechnic Limited grants and assistance to use during the leave period?
Yes. Any application can be considered under the normal terms of reference for the grant or assistance scheme.
What job do I come back to after the leave period?
The same one you left, allowing for ordinary changes over the leave period.