Coronavirus Communications – Human Resources /human-resources Mon, 03 Jan 2022 15:53:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Offices Reopen January 3 – Safety Reminders /human-resources/2022/01/02/offices-reopen-tomorrow-safety-reminders/ /human-resources/2022/01/02/offices-reopen-tomorrow-safety-reminders/#respond Sun, 02 Jan 2022 14:40:51 +0000 http://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/?p=6353 As the University’s offices prepare to reopen on Monday, January 3, Human Resources reminds all employees to follow the guidance provided in last week’s COVID Weekly Newsletter – Special Edition. Taking these actions – getting a booster shot, getting tested before coming to campus, doing Hawk Check consistently, wearing a mask properly and staying home when you do not feel well – will help protect our campus community as we together get through the current surge.

Offices Will be Open to Meet University Commitments

In light of the fact that the University community has high vaccination rates (more than 93%) as well as a robust set of safety protocols, the University expects all employees who have on-campus job duties and assignments to fulfill those duties. We are adopting this approach to maintain safety while ensuring that the University meets its commitments to students, colleagues and the community.

The Flexible Work Arrangements Policy remains in effect. Employees with approved flexible work arrangements should continue to follow those arrangements.

Please be aware that the policy permits employees to request a short-term flexible work arrangement (less than one month in duration) subject to the operational needs of the unit and supervisor approval. Such arrangements must be documented in writing. An email describing the arrangement and including supervisor approval is acceptable documentation. Please read the policy statement for more details.

Employees who are unable to fulfill their on-campus job duties or assignments for reasons other than illness, approved leave, or COVID isolation/quarantine, must charge personal time off.

Where to Get a Test

You could have the virus in your body without having any symptoms, and you might unknowingly infect a family member, coworker, neighbor or friend. Our health experts report that in many recent cases among our campus community, the infected person either didn’t have symptoms or thought that they had a cold or allergies. So to slow down the spread, don’t take a chance – get a test.

The University strongly recommends that all members of the campus community get tested for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before returning to campus after the winter break.

All employees and students can be tested at no cost in the on-campus testing center in Webster Hall. It should be your first stop when you get back to campus. Or you can be tested before you come back to campus and submit the result to . Please note, students and employees with approved exemptions from vaccination for medical or religious reasons must continue to use the Webster Hall testing center.

On January 1, the State of New Jersey opened a large testing site in East Orange that offers free PCR tests for all New Jersey residents. Visit the for details. In addition, a number of localities are opening or expanding testing facilities for the public. Read to learn more. For more information about how to find testing sites or to have a home test kit shipped to you, visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s or call 211.

Make Sure you are Fully Vaccinated

Being fully vaccinated means getting a booster shot if it has been more than two months since your Johnson & Johnson (or other single dose) vaccine or more than six months since your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. A booster dose helps your body fight off the virus if you get exposed to it and significantly moderates the symptoms if you are infected.

The Essex County Health Department will be on campus to provide free vaccinations, including boosters, on Thursday, January 20. All employees and students, and any resident of Essex County, can use the clinic.

Even better is to get boosted or vaccinated immediately at one of the Essex County vaccination sites, or you can choose another convenient location. To find a vaccination site near you, send a text to 438829 with your zip code, and the nearest vaccine sites will show up.

Please remember to upload a copy of your vaccination card to VaxCheck after you’ve received your booster shot.

Testing and Vaccination During Employee Work Hours

To make it easier for employees to get tested or vaccinated/boosted, President Koppell has empowered supervisors to adjust employee schedules and job duties to allow for reasonable time away from the job for testing and vaccination during scheduled work hours. Accrued leave does not have to be charged for this purpose.

Wear Your Mask

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads from person to person through the air, in the tiny droplets that we all exhale. Wearing a properly-fitted cloth mask over your nose and mouth protects you from spreading the virus and from breathing it in from someone else. Many of us don’t particularly enjoy wearing the mask, but doing so is a way to show others that you care.

Do Hawk Check

Hawk Check is one of the most important ways that our health-care providers find out about potential cases. Reporting your risks and symptoms accurately – and promptly – gives them a head start on helping keep the virus under control.

Remember to complete the Hawk Check self-screening application consistently. Do it every workday, Monday through Friday, and on any weekends or holidays on which you plan to come to campus. If you live on campus, do it every day. If Hawk Check gives you the thumbs up, come to campus. If it tells you not to come, then please stay home and wait for a phone call from one of our health care providers, who will advise you on next steps.

Stay Home if You’re Sick

At 麻豆传媒在线, we like to share things – but not our germs! Any time you’re not feeling well, regardless of whether you have COVID-19 or something else, stay home, rest and recover before coming back to campus. It’s one more way we show that we care about the people who make up our cherished community.

Thank You

All of us have a role to play in reducing the spread of the virus and helping to keep each other as safe as possible.

The health of our University community is a public good that we create and maintain together by taking actions that advance the collective interest – even if they may sometimes feel burdensome. Our students – and the communities that we serve – depend on us to be there for them. So during this time when cases are on the rise, each one of us must do our part to control the spread of the virus.

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COVID-19 Resources for Managers /human-resources/2020/05/27/covid-19-resources-for-managers/ /human-resources/2020/05/27/covid-19-resources-for-managers/#respond Wed, 27 May 2020 14:21:23 +0000 http://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/?p=4923 The COVID-19 pandemic has completely transformed our traditional work environment. While we are all facing the challenges of working remotely, adjusting to new social dynamics and balancing home life, managers are tackling new hurdles such as how to lead a remote workforce, how to promote engagement in a virtual environment, how to maintain productivity levels and how to ensure the success of their teams.

HR Learning, Development and Performance is committed to providing resources to support 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 managers. The objective is to help you and your teams thrive during this unprecedented time.

Please take advantage of the resources provided on the HR Coronavirus – Resources for Managers website as your schedule permits. Additional resources will be added on an ongoing basis, so please continue to visit the site for updates.

Highlights

  • During periods of uncertainty and disruption, managers need to make an extra effort to ease workplace anxiety and promote healthy priorities.
  • Learn what benefits, work procedures, and managerial insights provide the best results.

  • Mindful leadership principles and best practices for times of crisis.
  • Tips on supporting your team as they navigate the impact of working remotely.
  • How to embed mindfulness into your working culture, even when remote.

Coming Soon鈥

  • Manager-Focused Webinars via Zoom
  • Several Online Learning opportunities for Managers

Questions?

Please contact Keesha Chavis, Assistant Vice President for Learning, Development and Performance at chavisk@montclair.edu for any questions related to these resources.

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COVID-19 Self-Care Resources for Employees – Updated /human-resources/2020/05/22/covid-19-self-care-resources-for-employees/ /human-resources/2020/05/22/covid-19-self-care-resources-for-employees/#respond Fri, 22 May 2020 14:28:07 +0000 http://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/?p=4901 Join us online as 麻豆传媒在线 faculty lead sessions on Dealing with Stress, Emotional Intelligence and How to Frame Anxiety.

The University community has experienced a tremendous amount of change over the last few weeks. Change that has required us all to adapt to a different way of doing business. In fact, we are adjusting to a different work environment, interacting with others, balancing our home lives, and the impact of COVID-19 on all of the above.

We could all benefit from taking a little time to increase our collective energy in healing. We can achieve this through guided sessions that help with increasing mindfulness, being aware of our emotions, reducing stress levels, and reducing anxiety which all contribute to increasing general feelings of well-being.

Resources for All Employees

In the span of just a few short weeks, the coronavirus outbreak has become an all-consuming global crisis, with unprecedented societal and business upheaval across the world. These are definitely not easy times as we attempt to adjust to a rapidly changing environment. It is our hope that we can help employees navigate through this difficult time by providing helpful resources they can access while working remotely.

This site is designed to provide resources and guidance to employees to meet the challenges of these times. We welcome your suggestions and feedback regarding this site and any additional resources you recommend.

(Online Course)
Discover helpful coping strategies that can make a real difference to your day with this stress management course.
(Article)
Helpful tips on how to continue to be productive while working from home.
(Article)
Helpful tips on how to continue to be productive while working from home.
(Online Courses)
Free (requires registration). Courses include: Promoting self-care and helping you manage stress; Helping you be productive while working from home; Supporting the transition to an online classroom.
EX. Play list in Cornerstone Cares: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Supporting infection prevention and control of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Infographic, Hand Washing Techniques, Managing Stress and Anxiety During an Infectious Disease Outbreak)
(Online Courses)
16 Courses Include: Working Remotely, Time Management: Working from Home, Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset, Executive Presence on Video Conference Calls, Thriving at Work: Leveraging the Connection Between Well-Being and Productivity, Managing Stress for Positive Change, Building Resilience, Developing Resourcefulness, Leading at a Distance, Managing Virtual Teams, Leading Virtual Meetings, Microsoft Teams Tips and Tricks, Learning Skype, Learning BlueJeans Meetings, Learning WebEx, Learning Zoom
(Article)
Strategies for Centering, Reflecting and Meditating in the Workplace
(Article)
Meditation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety
(Article)
In this four-part series focused on time management and work productivity in our new reality, I share some practical advice on how to better lead ourselves through structuring our day to feel better, work more effectively, and adjust to our new reality by actively designing our new reality rather than feeling that the new reality is designing us.
(Article)
Talks about the importance of getting rest and how it affects your health.
(Webinar)
After attending this session, participants will be able to explore how flexible work systems should be implemented and sustained, identify the success factors for working remotely and take the necessary steps to show the value of working remotely.
(Tools and Articles)
A resource center for those saving and investing in a retirement account with Prudential
(Webinar)
Thursday, April 9
1 p.m. 鈥 2 p.m. ET
This webinar will explain these important provisions and offer tips and insights aimed at helping employers and plan sponsors understand the practical and administrative impact of the new law.”
(Article)
It is entirely possible to be peaceful, productive, and even happy under sustained disaster conditions. For newcomers to system-wide crises, I will share some of my insights here, building on the essay I wrote last month. As always, take what is beneficial to you, and leave the rest.
(Article)
Understand that everyone reacts to stress in different ways, but it is important to remember to take care of yourself by taking measures to reduce stress and take care of your mental health
(Tools and Articles)
The New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits (NJDPB) has created a COVID-specific resources page that compiles all of the various resources available to our members during this time. Not only is there coverage information for SHBP/SEHBP, but additional behavioral health resources (e.g., Joyable 鈥揹igital mental health solution available to members at no cost with one-on-one coaching and a personalized eight week BH program), wellness resources (e.g., Wellbeats 鈥 complimentary membership to at-home fitness video and content), and other important information from our carriers (Horizon and Aetna) and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (Optum). We are onboarding additional behavioral health, wellness, and telemedicine capabilities for our members and will be updating the website on a daily basis. Please share with your constituency and use these resources!
If you have any feedback or would like for us to explore additional ways in which we can serve our members in the SHBP/SEHBP, please reach out to Meaghan Dunfee (Meaghan.Dunfee@treas.nj.gov) with subject line 鈥淪HBP/SEHBP COVID Resource Request.鈥
(Article)
10 free workout apps to keep you fit while staying home and social distancing
(Webinar)
Tips and techniques you can use to stay on task and productive. Fun, free apps to increase productivity and get more done in your workday. Keyboard shortcuts and hidden settings on your computer to end distraction.
(Videos/Articles)
Your homebase for wellbeing tips, resources and support. Browse articles and videos on reducing stress, staying active, being productive, sleeping well and more.

Questions?

Please contact Keesha Chavis, Assistant Vice President for Learning, Development and Performance at chavisk@montclair.edu for any questions related to these webinars.

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A Message from David Vernon, Vice President for Human Resources /human-resources/2020/04/15/a-message-from-david-vernon-vice-president-for-human-resources/ /human-resources/2020/04/15/a-message-from-david-vernon-vice-president-for-human-resources/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:19:59 +0000 http://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/?p=4895 Dear Employees:

As the President has said in her email messages, the University鈥檚 goal during the current public health emergency is to provide our students with the opportunity to successfully complete their spring term studies, while minimizing the risk of exposure for our campus community.

Our faculty and staff are rallying to make this possible, and we are very grateful for your dedication.

The University鈥檚 leaders are monitoring the situation closely and making every effort to support you through this unusual period.

It is important to Human Resources that you have the most up-to-date information possible and know that we are here to assist you in any way we can聽including information about self-isolating after returning from travel to high-risk areas or having contact with patients who have COVID-19; as well as information about sick leave and remote working arrangements.

Please ask your supervisor, dean, vice president or my office if you have any questions. You can also write to coronavirus@montclair.edu.

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A Message from David Vernon, Vice President for Human Resources 鈥 March 16, 2020 /human-resources/2020/03/16/a-message-from-david-vernon-vice-president-for-human-resources-march-16-2020/ /human-resources/2020/03/16/a-message-from-david-vernon-vice-president-for-human-resources-march-16-2020/#respond Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:20:52 +0000 http://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/?p=4897 Submitting Remote Working Arrangement Requests

Dear Employees:

On Friday, March 13, 2020, Human Resources released the Coronavirus Employee Information web page for the University community, which included remote working arrangement guidance. During the public health emergency, some 麻豆传媒在线 employees may be permitted to work remotely. The decision will be made by the supervisor with the approval of the division Vice President or Dean and will be based on the needs of the University and the unit. Not all job roles can be performed remotely and thus may not be eligible.

The purpose of this email is to confirm employees can submit remote working arrangements.

How to Submit a Request

All University employees are rallying to provide our students with the opportunity to complete their spring term studies while minimizing the risk of exposure to our campus community. Thank you for all of your support.

Please ask your supervisor, dean, vice president, or my office if you have any questions. You can also write to coronavirus@montclair.edu.

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A Message from David Vernon, Vice President for Human Resources 鈥 March 13, 2020 /human-resources/2020/03/13/a-message-from-david-vernon-vice-president-for-human-resources-march-13-2020/ /human-resources/2020/03/13/a-message-from-david-vernon-vice-president-for-human-resources-march-13-2020/#respond Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:21:28 +0000 http://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/?p=4899 Dear Employees:

As the President has said in her email messages, the University鈥檚 goal during the current public health emergency is to provide our students with the opportunity to complete their spring term studies, while minimizing the risk of exposure for our campus community.

Our faculty and staff are rallying to make this possible, and we are very grateful for your dedication.

The University鈥檚 leaders are monitoring the situation closely and making every effort to support you through this unusual period.

It is important to us that you have the most up-to-date information possible and know that we are here to assist you in any way we can聽including our policy about self-isolating after returning from travel to high-risk areas or having contact with patients who have COVID-19; as well as information about sick leave and remote working arrangements.

Please ask your supervisor, dean, vice president or my office if you have any questions. You can also write to coronavirus@montclair.edu.

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