The UNMC Department of Human Resources has provided the following list of frequently asked questions from UNMC employees about work-related issues due to the university’s COVID-19 response.
Will employees get paid if a department shuts down due to COVID-19 and there is no work to do from home?
Managers are encouraged to work with employees to explore all possibilities for campus or remote working options. This could include a temporary assignment to work in another UNMC area. If no remote or campus work option is possible, employees may use up to 80 hours of the emergency administrative paid leave. Additional paid leave may be used per UNMC’s current paid leave policies.
If an employee is out sick for a couple of days, do they need to provide a return to work note from their doctor?
Employees should follow the regular sick leave policies and procedures for any illnesses or symptoms not related to COVID-19.
Does an employee need a doctor’s note or FMLA if they would like to work from home due to a medical condition that puts them at increased risk for COVID-19?
Employees may contact HR-Employee Relations to discuss their individual circumstances.
Who can managers contact for information related to temporary or permanent changes in workforce needs due to COVID-19?
HR-Staffing and Compensation is available to assist managers and departments with questions related to workforce changes.
Can an employee work from home for four hours and then use four hours of the emergency fund?
Yes.
Can staff who are identified as essential personnel utilize the emergency administrative paid leave?
Yes, as circumstances permit. Please contact HR-Employee Relations to discuss specific situations.
Will an employee need a doctor’s release to return to work if they are sick or quarantined due to the COVID-19 virus?
Yes. For their safety and that of entire UNMC community, employees will be required give their supervisor a note from their provider before they can return to work. UNMC Omaha campus employees are required take provider notes directly to Employee Health before they report to work. Employee Health will issue a return to work notice that the employee must give to the supervisor. Employees may contact Employee Health at 402-552-3563 (7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) for more information.
Are post-docs eligible for the 80 hours administrative leave?
Yes.
What are the options for employees who are pregnant and have concerns related to the COVID-19 virus?
All employees should discuss remote work options with their supervisor. Please contact HR-Employee Relations for specific information related to individual situations.
Can employees donate some of their leave to the crisis leave bank?
Yes, employees may donate up to 3 days (24 hours) of accrued vacation leave to the crisis leave bank. Vacation leave is still capped at 280 hours and only hours that have been accrued may be donated. Employees must complete and submit the crisis leave donation form to their supervisor for verification of hours.
Is the UNMC Child Development Center opening enrollment in response to COVID-19?
Not at this time. Changes to enrollment will be communicated to the campus community.
Additional Resources
- President Ted Carter Memo (March 14, 2020) — Emergency Leave for COVID-19 Related Absences
- Employee Leave Policies and Procedures