Will negotiating a new agreement for in-person duties nullify my remote work status?

Question

I work as a student advisor at a University and have been working remotely for 5 years due to an ongoing illness, which is documented with letters from my doctor. The University confirmed my remote work status would remain until the Governor requires all state employees to return to the office. Recently, I was asked to perform some in-person duties, specifically during "Walk-ins," where students meet without appointments. HR provided me with an ADA form, which my doctor completed, and now I am being asked to negotiate an agreement for these new duties. If I sign this agreement to be in-person for some tasks, will it nullify my current remote work status, or will it simply be an addendum to my existing agreement? How should I address this with HR and my manager?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Negotiating a new agreement for specific in-person duties does not automatically nullify your existing remote work status. It can be structured as an addendum or modification to your current agreement, specifying that only certain tasks require in-person attendance while the rest of your duties remain remote. The key is to clearly define which responsibilities are in-person and which continue remotely, so there is no ambiguity. 
 
When addressing this with HR and your manager, request that the new agreement explicitly state that your overall remote work status remains intact except for the limited in-person duties. Provide your doctor’s documentation and the completed ADA form to reinforce the medical necessity for your ongoing accommodations. Ask HR to review the language carefully to ensure your rights under the ADA are preserved. 
 
Document all communications and agreements in writing, and keep copies for your records. If anything is unclear, request a meeting to clarify before signing. By approaching this proactively and with clear language, you can accommodate the University’s needs for in-person tasks while protecting your established remote work status. Would you like me to suggest specific language to include in the addendum to safeguard your remote work agreement?

Q: Will negotiating a new agreement for in-person duties nullify my remote work status?