COVID-19 HR Resources for Employees

COVID-19 Employee Guidance

 

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

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab


PAY GUIDANCE

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

Tools 2 Thrive
Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [2.05 MB]

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [2.28 MB]

 

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [2.47 MB]

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [1.51 MB]

 

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

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.

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

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.