"PTO" Archive

Updates about PTO, SneezSafe and Campus Redensification

May 19, 2021

This message is shared on behalf of Wake Forest University Human Resources; it was emailed to faculty and staff on May 19.

Bottom line, up front:

• Paid Time Off: The PTO policy has been updated and WFU will implement a PTO leave bank of up to 120 hours of additional PTO carryforward into 2022. View the Paid Time Off (PTO) Guide for more information.
• SneezSafe: Daily use of SneezSafe prior to coming to campus is no longer required; colleagues are still required to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Campus Redensification: Prior to students returning for fall, student- and faculty/staff-facing departments should develop staffing plans that can respond to fluid public health guidance, beginning with accommodating at least 3ft of social distance.

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue to navigate a dynamic public health landscape, we remain focused on reevaluating and updating COVID-19 policies and procedures. While some may be sunsetted, others will be revised to reflect improved public health conditions while still supporting the ongoing safety of our campus community. As we receive updated guidance from our public health experts and campus leadership, we will continue to provide updates to you.

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Take your PTO, you deserve it: My top 5 tips to really recuperate this holiday season

December 16, 2020

The following is a guest post by Elizabeth Dam-Regier, Director of Strategic Communications, Human Resources.

Nine months ago – almost exactly nine months, to the day – the university announced that it would officially transition to distance-working arrangements. And in this three-quarters of a year, our campus community has adapted, innovated, collaborated, and worked harder than ever before to continue to provide an outstanding Wake Forest education and experience. There is a joke here about the typical length of a pregnancy, but I’m too tired to make it. In fact, we are all tired.

Burnout is an oft-heard term in academia – albeit an accurate one. A quick search for “burnout” in The Chronicle and you’ll find endless opinion pieces articulating the obstacles both faculty and staff experience with careers in higher ed. This year, however, has taken burnout to an entirely new plane of existence. This is some kind of fourth dimension burnout.

In 2019, the World Health Organization classified burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that is identified by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. While it may seem impossible to step away from work, it is critical to take a break and allow ourselves time to recuperate.

Colleagues have expressed a myriad of personal and professional challenges, resulting in increased anxiety and mental health concerns. Earlier this year the American Council on Education surveyed nearly 300 university and college presidents about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their institution. Not surprisingly, 42% of respondents identified “mental health: faculty and staff” as a pressing issue.

In a typical year (what does “typical” even mean these days), many of our colleagues would be enjoying winter break with exciting activities – perhaps celebrating with friends or traveling to see extended family. But, with COVID-19 cases on the rise, many folks are likely anticipating disruptions to cherished traditions. This season will be more isolated than usual and the desire to fill the void with cookies and catching up on work will be tempting.

While I wholeheartedly endorse the cookies, taking purposeful time away from work is critical for avoiding burnout. The Chronicle provides excellent suggestions for having a restorative holiday break during the pandemic, including using this time away to enjoy a digital detox, embark on a challenge, and rejoice in spite of the imperfections caused by the pandemic.

Here are my top tips – from one Wake Forester to another – for unplugging and resting this winter break:

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News from Financial & Accounting Services

January 31, 2014

Financial & Accounting Services (FAS) has important information to share with the campus community on the items below:

• University selects BB&T as its new banking partner
• Electronic W-2s:  Safer, Faster, Greener
• PTO for exempt staff
• New mileage reimbursement rate for 2014

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Holiday schedule and pay reminders

November 25, 2013

Please note the following regarding the Reynolda Campus holiday, PTO and pay schedule for the upcoming holiday season:

Holidays/PTO:

• Wednesday, Nov. 27:  Departments who choose to offer early dismissal at 3 p.m. or two hours before the end of the regularly-scheduled shift may count this time as administrative leave.
• Thursday, Nov. 28 – Friday, Nov. 29:  Thanksgiving Holiday – University Closed.
• Friday, Dec. 20:  University open for full work day.
• Monday, Dec. 23 – Friday, Dec. 27:  Winter Break – University Closed.
• Monday, Dec. 30 – Tuesday, Dec. 31:  University open, with early release at 3 p.m. on December 31. Staff employees may count two hours on December 31 as administrative leave. In cases where the entire department has agreed to close for these two days, each individual in the department will count the two days as PTO.
• Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014:  New Year’s Holiday – University Closed.

Pay:

• Non-exempt employees: final 2013 pay date is Dec. 20.
• Exempt employees: final 2013 pay date is Dec. 31.

Staff Advisory Council meeting set for Thursday

November 20, 2013

The next Staff Advisory Council (SAC) will be Thursday, Nov. 21, from 1:30-3 p.m. in Benson 401 C/D. All WFU staffers are encouraged to attend.

The meeting will feature two guest speakers:

• Financial and Accounting Services will present on exempt PTO tracking in Novatime.
• Penny Rue, the vice president for Campus Life, will speak about what’s new in her area and provide insight into the new Director of Wellness position.