COVID Flex Hours helps employees navigate the challenges of the pandemic
COVID Flex Hours provides up to 80 hours of paid time for eligible employees to address COVID-19 related issues, such as illness, dependent care, quarantine, and vaccinations, based on their individual circumstances.
Troy Hernandez feels lucky – that he’s been able to keep working as an information systems analyst during COVID-19, that he made it through the wildfires last summer in Ben Lomond where he lives. But also that he works for an employer like Stanford who has provided consistent support during the challenges he’s faced this year.
“Employment is a relationship,” Hernandez said. “From my perspective, Stanford makes it obvious that it’s not one sided.”
Specifically, Hernandez says he was touched by the resources and concern extended to employees affected by the wildfires, and policies like the new COVID Flex Hours.
Effective March 1, COVID Flex Hours provides up to 80 hours of paid time for eligible employees to address COVID-19 related issues, such as illness, dependent care, quarantine, and vaccinations, based on their individual circumstances. In addition, 24 of the 80 hours can be used for self-care related to COVID-19.
“It takes some of the worry out of this difficult year,” he said. “Just knowing this is available as a safety net is a relief.”
Providing this kind of peace of mind was one of the drivers behind COVID Flex Hours, according to Elizabeth Zacharias, Vice President for University Human Resources.
“The news about the pandemic is increasingly optimistic,” she said. “However, we know that employees continue to face significant challenges due to COVID-19 as they balance their professional lives with their well-being, and that of their families. This time is meant to be flexible to help employees focus on staying healthy and well.”
In addition to implementing COVID Flex Hours, the university recently extended other COVID-19 interim policies, including Quarantine Pay, Premium Pay, and the Home Office Equipment policy.
Managers have also been encouraged to work with employees to ensure they can use accrued vacation time to disconnect from work, relax and recharge. (Read “Five tips for helping employees disconnect while away.”)
For Hernandez, living among the beauty of the Santa Cruz mountains helps keep him relaxed.
“Despite this past year, overall I feel well,” he said. “But if I didn’t, I would use the resources the university offers. They’re needed and appreciated, and I’m blown away by everyone at Stanford who makes it happen.”