COVID-19 HR Resources for Employees

UPDATED - January 6, 2023
UConn is following Department of Administrative Services (DAS) guidance that State buildings located in counties with high COVID community levels are to post notice that people entering the facility are “strongly encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask that completely covers the nose and mouth." As several UConn campuses are in counties identified as having high levels of community spread, ALL CAMPUSES are recommended to post CDC masking signage on any screens/monitors in campus buildings and/or hang copies on building entrances. Additional UConn COVID-19 signage can be downloaded here.
COVID-19 Employee Guidance

 

ILLNESS OR EXPOSURE

NOTIFICATION GUIDANCE

For Employees

Employees should contact their personal healthcare provider. Additionally, employees can contact their local health department for guidance and to facilitate contact tracing.

Employees should also refer to current HR guidance (Employees Able to Telecommute / Employees Unable to Telecommute) and discuss their applicable scenario 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 high-risk exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their manager.

Employees able to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.

Employees unable to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.

Employees should also contact their personal healthcare provider. Additionally, employees may contact their local health department for guidance.

For Managers of UNITE Employees

Employees diagnosed with COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or those with a recent high-risk exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their manager.

Employees able to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.

Employees unable to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.

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. Additionally, employees may contact their local health department for guidance.

For Managers of Student Employees

Student Employees diagnosed with COVID-19, experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or those with a recent high-risk exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their manager.

Student Employees able to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.pdf.

Student Employees unable to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.pdf.

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 high-risk exposure, should discuss testing, return-to-work, and telecommuting with their UConn contact.

Individuals able to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.

Individuals unable to telecommute should follow the applicable Decision Tree.

Individuals should also contact their personal healthcare provider. Additionally, individuals may contact their local health department for guidance.

ILLNESS / QUARANTINE GUIDANCE

Guidance for Employees who have Permission to Telecommute

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Guidance for Employees who are Unable to Telecommute due to Onsite Job Responsibilities

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

 

Updates and Announcements

WINTER WEATHER

Please review the Emergency Closing Policy carefully for details about how decisions are made related to winter weather, expectations of employees, and other information.

I’m working from home, and I received a notification that the University is curtailing on-campus operations due to a snowstorm. Do I continue to work from home?

Yes. Many UConn employees have the capacity to work from home. As such, winter weather does not prevent employees from performing their job functions from home. HR encourages managers to be accommodating with employees who are able to perform their duties through a flexible schedule during winter weather days, due to childcare or snow removal needs.

I have a telecommuting agreement, but am scheduled to report to work in person on the day of the winter weather closure. Do I telecommute instead?

Yes. Employees who can telecommute should do so when notified of curtailed on-campus operations due to winter weather or emergency closing, even if it falls on a day the employee otherwise is scheduled to work in person.

My child’s school has closed for winter weather; do I need to use accrued time if I’m unable to continue working from home?

HR encourages managers to be accommodating with employees who are able to perform their duties through a flexible schedule during winter weather days. Employees using a flexible schedule with manager permission are not required to use accrued time. If a flexible schedule isn’t possible and an employee is unable to perform their regular duties while their children are home due to winter weather, the employee must take accrued time (e.g., personal, vacation, holiday) with approval from their manager.

I have lost power and internet access due to a winter storm – what do I do?

Employees who lose power or internet access due to a winter storm should notify their manager as soon as possible and discuss what work can be accomplished at home without power. Employees should keep track of the outage and arrange a flexible schedule once power/internet has been restored to make up the lost time.

If an outage is severe and widespread, Human Resources may issue alternate guidance to the entire UConn workforce.

Covid 19 Travel Information
 
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Update on UConn COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Requirements Following International Travel – Effective 4/25/22

Update on UConn COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Requirements Following International Travel

Effective 4/25/22

Background
This guideline applies to all international travel, whether traveling for business or personal reasons. Employees who have approval to telecommute full-time and therefore do not anticipate returning to any UConn facilities for at least two weeks after returning from planned travel are not subject to these guidelines.

Please note that all existing approvals and other rules regarding requests to travel on UConn-related business will continue without change.

UConn will continue to update its COVID-19 guidelines as rates of COVID-19 change and as additional scientific evidence becomes available.

Definitions
For purposes of this guideline:

  • “Fully vaccinated” means at least 2 weeks after the 2nd dose for the Pfizer/Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 2 weeks after the single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine; and
  • “Recent history of COVID-19” means testing positive for or being diagnosed with SARS CoV-2 within the past 90 days.
Scenarios HR Notification Testing Quarantine
Scenario 1 (Domestic)
Vaccine Status and recent COVID-19 history not applicable.
None. None. None.
Scenario 2 (International)
Employee IS fully vaccinated
Required. 3- 5 Days Upon Return. None.
Scenario 3 (International)
Employee has recent COVID-19 history
Required. None. None.
Scenario 4 (International)
Employee IS NOT fully vaccinated and DOES NOT have a recent COVID-19 history
Required. 3- 5 Days Upon Return 5 Days.

Scenario 1: Domestic Travel - Vaccine Status and Recent COVID-19 History Not Applicable

No HR Notice, Quarantine, or Testing Required. If traveling out of state but within the United States, employees are not required to notify Human Resources before travel, self-quarantine, or test upon return to Connecticut. Employees can return-to-work without delay upon return to the state.

Scenario 2: International Travel – Fully Vaccinated Employees

Notice to HR, Testing Upon Return. Employees, even those who are fully vaccinated, must notify Human Resources and fill out UConn’s travel form before any international travel. The travel forms are available on the HR website. This notice requirement applies to employees traveling internationally by whatever mode.

Before Departure to the U.S. Under federal law, all air travelers coming from abroad, regardless of vaccination status, may be required to have a negative SARS-CoV-2 viral test or documentation or recover from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. Such testing is the responsibility of the traveler for both personal and business travel. The cost of the pre-travel test for UConn-related business travel is eligible for reimbursement through Travel Services, if not covered by the employee’s health insurance.

Testing Upon Return to the U.S. Fully vaccinated employees who are returning from traveling abroad will be required to undergo SARS-CoV-2 viral testing:

  • Such employees will undergo a SARS-CoV-2 RNA test 3-5 days after return from travel. This test may be done privately (with results shared to hr@uconn.edu) or, for business travel, through UConn (results will be reported directly to HR). HR will acquire a list of international business travel from Travel Services for testing. If an employee is unable to undergo testing within this timeframe, testing must be performed prior to return to work.
  • Fully vaccinated employees do not need to self-quarantine while awaiting the results of this test; they may return to work without delay.

Scenario 3: International Travel - Employees With Recent COVID-19 History

Notice to HR. Employees who have a Recent History of COVID-19 and are traveling internationally must notify Human Resources and fill out UConn's Pre-Travel form. The Pre-Travel form is available on the HR website.

No Testing or Quarantine Required. Although notification to HR is still required for international travel, employees who have a Recent History of COVID-19 at the time of their departure will not be tested upon return to work, and are not required to self-quarantine. Such employees are able to return-to-work without delay upon return to the state.

Scenario 4: International Travel - Employees Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated and Do Not Have a Recent History of COVID-19

Notice to HR. All employees who are not fully vaccinated and do not have a recent history of COVID-19 must notify Human Resources and fill out UConn’s travel form before any international travel. The travel forms are available on the HR website.

This notice requirement applies to employees traveling internationally by whatever mode.

Quarantine and Testing Protocols Remain. Employees who are not fully vaccinated or do not have a recent history of COVID-19, as those terms are defined above, at the time of their travel departure will continue to be subject to quarantine and testing protocols, per CDC recommendations. Specifically:

  • Such employees will undergo a SARS-CoV-2 RNA test 3-5 days after return from travel. This test may be performed through UConn as part of mandatory weekly testing.
  • Employees will be required to stay home and self-quarantine for a full 5 days after return from travel. A 5-day quarantine is required even if the results of an employee’s test is negative.
  • Any individual who tests positive during his or her return from travel testing will be required to isolate in accordance with University guidance.

Exceptions: If management determines that an employee may effectively perform the duties of his/her job remotely, management may approve telecommuting for an employee in lieu of post-travel quarantine. Additionally, to address operational concerns, management may permit or require an employee to report to work in lieu of quarantining for 5 days to address critical staffing needs, as long as the employee has received a negative test result (3-5 days after return from travel) and complies with other heightened COVID-19 safety protocols.

  • Heightened COVID-19 Safety Protocols. Employees permitted to return to work during the first 5 days after return from travel will be required to continue to observe the standard COVID-19 precautions, including wearing a mask at all times while in UConn facilities and self-monitoring for symptoms. In addition, employees should observe the heightened precautions of eating alone and away from other employees, and limiting time spent in close proximity with others. Individuals who develop any symptoms should promptly leave work and contact the COVID-19 Call Center to schedule SARS-CoV-2 testing.

NOTE: If travel is personal and not for approved UConn business, employees must use accrued time off for any time that they are required to quarantine post-travel.

Note regarding International Travel. Under federal law, all air travelers coming from abroad, regardless of vaccination status, may be required to have a negative SARS-CoV-2 viral test or documentation or recover from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States.

Additional Considerations

  • Employees traveling outside of their local community should still consider that travel increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 to others. The CDC, DPH, and UConn continue to discourage any non-essential travel. In addition, UConn strongly encourages employees to avoid any travel to Level 4 countries.
  • All employees – including those who are fully vaccinated – should still follow DPH’s and CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely including wearing a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth, staying at least 6 feet away from others and avoiding crowds, and washing your hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.
  • After returning from travel, all employees must continue to self-monitor for fever or symptoms of COVID-19 and stay at home and get tested if they experience any symptoms.

Well Being Resources
 

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

COVID Testing for Employees

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.