University Human Resources

Position Work Locations

Breadcrumb

Position Work Locations

A Position Work Location (PWL) defines where a role is expected to be performed.

PWLs are assigned in Workday by the employee’s manager in consultation with University Human Resources. Determinations are based on:

  • Job responsibilities and duties
  • Nature of the work
  • Operational and business needs
  • Impact on the department

PWLs are not subject to employee review or appeal.

PWL Designations

All job duties must be performed on campus. Remote work is not feasible for this role.

Job duties can be performed both on-site and remotely on a regular basis throughout the year.

Minimum requirement:

  • At least 20% on-site work, on average
    • (~1 day per week or ~4 days per month)

All job duties are performed off-site (e.g., employee’s residence) without disrupting business operations.

Multiple PWL Options

In some cases, a position may be assigned more than one PWL option (e.g., hybrid or remote), depending on operational needs.

However:

  • Employees may select only one work arrangement (AWA) when completing their agreement in Workday.

For remote PWLs, work locations must align with registered AWA states.

Multi-State Initiative

Brown supports remote work in states where the University is registered to operate and process payroll.

This initiative:

  • Enables remote work in approved states
  • Ensures compliance with employment and tax laws
  • Expands flexibility where operationally feasible

Employee Responsibilities

To support compliance, employees must:

  • Keep home and work addresses accurate in Workday
  • Update address information promptly if changes occur
  • Review and confirm work location details as required

You can update your address in Workday via the Personal Information section.

Work Location Attestation

  • Staff (remote-eligible): Must complete an Alternative Work Assignment (AWA) and review/attest at least annually
  • Faculty: Do not complete AWAs but must attest to their work location

Failure to maintain accurate information or comply with requirements may result in personal tax liability.

More information on payroll withholdings

State Registration

Brown is currently registered to employ staff and process payroll in:

  • Rhode Island
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Washington, D.C. 

If your home address is in one of these locations, payroll and tax withholding are supported.

Expanding to Additional States

The University continues to evaluate new state registrations based on:

  • Operational need
  • Cost and administrative complexity
  • Legal and compliance requirements

Note:

  • Registration in new states can take several months
  • Not all states will be approved

Federal and State Employment Notices

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), along with individual state agencies, administers and enforces a range of employment laws, including those related to wages and hours, workplace safety and health, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Find information on employment & wage laws in your area

Questions about state registration, state payroll withholdings and taxation can be directed to payroll@brown.edu.

Please note that we are unable to offer tax advice or information asked about the forms as we are not trained in income tax preparation. We strongly encourage employees to speak with a tax professional.