ILLNESS OR EXPOSURE
NOTIFICATION GUIDANCE
For Employees
Employees should contact their personal healthcare provider.
Employees should also refer to current HR guidance with their manager to determine testing and return-to-work procedures.
For Managers of Storrs/Regional Employees
Employees diagnosed with COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or those with a recent exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their manager (See HR Guidance).
Employees should also contact their personal healthcare provider.
For Managers of UNITE Employees
Employees diagnosed with COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or those with a recent exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their manager (See HR Guidance).
UNITE employees can contact DDS-HR@Uconn.edu with questions or refer to previously distributed decision trees.
Employees should also contact their personal healthcare provider.
For Managers of Student Employees
Student Employees diagnosed with COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or those with a recent exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their manager (See HR Guidance).
For additional guidance, Storrs-based students may also contact Student Health and Wellness, and regional-based students may contact their personal healthcare provider.
For Managers of Outside Vendors/Contractors
Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or those with a recent exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their UConn contact (See HR Guidance).
Individuals should also contact their personal healthcare provider.
ILLNESS / QUARANTINE GUIDANCE
Return to Work Guidance for Employees
COVID-19 Pay Guidance, By Scenario and Employee Type
Classified (NP-2, NP-3, NP-5, P-2)
After exhaustion of the entitlements below, employees must use sick time. |
Unclassified (UCPEA, MGT CONFID)
After exhaustion of the entitlements, below employees must use sick time. |
AAUP/POST-DOC/Law School Faculty | |
COVID Positive | May use timecode LOPD with override code PDC19 up to the amount of hours that an employee is scheduled during a 14-day calendar period. Managers run the LOPD usage report (form date range 01/01/21 to present). May be eligible for a second allotment assessed on a case by case basis by HR (hr@uconn.edu). | May use timecode LOPD with override code PDC19 up to the amount of hours that an employee is scheduled during a 14-day calendar period. Managers run the LOPD usage report (form date range 01/01/21 to present). This is a single allotment. | Up to 14 Calendar Days. Supervisor notifies HR and HR records official leave record. |
COVID-Like Symptoms | May use timecode LOPD with override code PDC19 up to the amount of hours that an employee is scheduled during a 14-day calendar period. Managers run the LOPD usage report (form date range 01/01/21 to present). There is no eligibility for a second allotment for this scenario. | ||
Continuous High Risk Exposure | May use timecode LOPD with override code PDC19 up to the amount of hours that an employee is scheduled during a 14-day calendar period. Managers run the LOPD usage report (form date range 01/01/21 to present). May be eligible for a second allotment assessed on a case by case basis by HR (hr@uconn.edu). | ||
One Time High Risk Exposure | |||
Daycare Closure | With appropriate documentation. May use timecode LOPD with override code PDC19 up to the amount of hours that an employee is scheduled during a 14-day calendar period. Managers run the LOPD usage report (form date range 01/01/21 to present). There is no eligibility for a second allotment for this scenario. | Must use accrued time |
WELL-BEING
It’s important to take care of your mind, spirit, and body during times of stress and uncertainty. HR has gathered resources to provide employees, and their families with information and tools for taking care of their holistic health and well-being during this time. Please also visit the Work/Life Wellness page for our monthly programming opportunities.
Mental Health
Amidst the current pandemic, keeping not only physically healthy, but mentally healthy is imperative to our overall well-being. Please take some time to utilize these tools and resources made available through Mental Health America, the CDC, the UConn Health EAP and others, to be mindful of your mental health during this time.
Please also visit our Mental Health Awareness Summer 2021 webpage for additional resources.
Mental Health America Online Resources
Take a Mental Health Check
Live Mentally Healthy
Stress & Coping During COVID-19
Resources for Helping Kids and Parents Cope Amidst COVID-19
Mental Health America Flyers

Mental Health America Online Webinars
Coronavirus: Helping Yourself and Others resources are available on the EAP website.
Dr. Julian Ford shares his thoughts and recommendations on ways to handle the stress in this UConn Today Article Coping With COVID? Mastering Social (But Not Emotional) Distancing
The American Psychological Association resource page https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/employee-mental-health and YouTube videos cover topics related to academics, self and family.
Grief resources, whether from the change in events, or due to the loss of a loved one can be found at That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief (Harvard Business Review) and Grief.com
Meditation is a great way to relax and regain calmness; see UConn Health Guided Meditations on Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Relaxation with Light
Livestream Guided Meditation recordings offered by the Copper Beech Institute
Physical Health
It’s important to remain active, and the following resources may be helpful to keep employees and their families on the move.
At Home Workouts and Tips for Success
Daily Well-Being Practice Sessions with Blanche Serban
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
UConn Rec Workouts
20 Minutes to Fitness - Heart Month Edition
20 Minutes to Fitness - Strength Edition
Desk Stretch Refresh Exercises and Resource
COVID-19: Importance of home exercise while being isolated
Resiliency
As we all work through this difficult time, practicing self-resiliency and showing empathy and support toward others, as well as being honest about our struggles and how we are feeling will enable us to thrive and be productive.
There is a lot of talk about resiliency right now, and you might be thinking “what is it?”, or “I just don’t have it”. Broadly speaking, resiliency is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering challenges that are part of life. The good new is resilience is a skill, and like any skill, with practice, can be learned. So how can you build your resilience? Here are some effective strategies:
- Practice Positivity – Which allows us to hold on to a sense of control
- Develop and Strengthen Emotional Insight – This includes having a level of awareness about your full range of emotions, and the effect your actions have on others
- Achieve a Healthy work-life Integration – take time to unplug, relax and recuperate
- Exercise – when you exercise regularly, you are more likely to remain healthier, happier, and more productive when faced with stressful situations
- Cultivate Connections – We are social creatures. To prevent the loneliness during this time, reach out to others with a phone call or schedule a virtual break or lunch.
- Having a Sense of Spirituality – Find the meaning in your work, and reflect on how your work is contributing to a greater good, and the Universities mission.
- Become more Reflective – Be in tune to your emotions and stress triggers, so you can better prepare for and “bounce back” from them.
Learn more by reading the following articles on Resilience in the Face of a Crisis and Building your Resilience.
When faced with situations that you know will be challenging, implement coping strategies, such as seeking support. It is important to reach out for help when you are struggling, and to help other’s when they are.
Employee Resiliency in the COVID-19 Workplace by Deer Oaks EAP – This informational guide provides helpful tips on how to handle stress, deal with change, and remain resilient in difficult times. It includes topics such as: Coping with Job Stress, COVID-19: Returning to the Workplace, and for managers; Managing Through COVID-19: Communicate to Build Trust.
Additional Resources
Coronavirus Sanity Guide https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: https://thewellnesssociety.org/free-coronavirus-anxiety-workbook/
Free Guide To Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty
Benefits of spending time in nature https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
FAMILY CARE
Additional Resources
Coping techniques from the Child Mind Institute at #WeThriveInside
Quarantine Parent Tips https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/quarantine-parents-tips
Unstructured Play for Children https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/children-unstructured-play
"Hello My Name is Coronavirus" - a free downloadable book in several languages geared for children under 7
"Something Strange Happened in My City" book and video in several languages
WHERE TO GET HELP
Help Resources
Where to Get Help
Finding Help
When your mental health is off, you want to get help to make it better. Mental Health America can help you get started.
The Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service provided for you, your dependents, and household members by Human Resources. This program offers a wide variety of counseling, referral, and consultation services, which are all designed to assist you and your family in resolving work and life issues in order to live happier, healthier, more balanced lives. From stress, addiction, and change management, to locating child care facilities, legal assistance, and financial challenges, our qualified professionals are here to help.
Our health insurance provides Anthem members with access to LiveHealth Online for telehealth services, including behavioral health.
Find local mental health resources through the American Psychological Association at https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/local-mental-health
REMOTE WORK
Tools for Effectively Working and Managing From Home
Associate Dean and Professor Lucy Gilson on Working Remotely
Working Remotely During COVID-19: Your Mental Health & Well-Being
35 activities to keep kids busy while you work or study
LinkedIn Library is offering free courses on the following topics:
Maximize Efficiency and Productivity of Remote Work
- Working Remotely – 1 hr
- Time Management: Working From Home – 1 hr 25 min
- Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset – 59 min
Manage the Impact of Adjusting to Your New Work Environment
- Thriving @ Work: the Connection between Well-being and Productivity – 41 min
- Managing Stress for Positive Change – 57 min
- Building Resilience – 34 min
- Developing Resourcefulness – 18 min
VACCINATION & TESTING
As of June 1, 2022, the University suspended enforcement of its mandatory workforce vaccine policy and procedures.
As of May 31, 2022, the University suspended enforcement of its weekly mandatory testing for employees with approved or pending vaccination exemptions.