myHR Archives
myHR: January 13, 2016
Be in the Know Biometric Screenings Available in 2016
Did you miss the chance to attend one of the Be in the Know biometric screening events last fall? If so, you’re in luck. More screening dates are now available, beginning January 25. Register now and start the New Year on a healthy note.
The on-campus screenings are free, convenient, and confidential. You’ll learn your key health numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose), and be on your way earning up to $180* in cash incentives through Be in the Know, Penn’s wellness campaign.
If you can’t make it to a biometric screening in January, additional dates in 2016 include:
| February 11 | April 4 | |
| February 22 | April 26 | |
| March 10 | May 10 | |
| March 21 | May 23 |
Register for any of these dates now on Human Resources’ Events and Program Registration page.
You do not need to complete another biometric screening if you already completed one during the events held October 5-November 20, 2015, or if you have submitted screening results from your physician.
Why join Be in the Know now? Not only will you learn more about your current health, you’ll have help – and fun – taking action to maintain and improve it. In the process, Be in the Know will reward you for participating.
After the biometric screening, complete a brief online health assessment on Penn’s wellness portal, hosted by StayWell, and you’ll receive a personalized health report with an easy-to-follow plan for maintaining or improving your health and wellness. You’ll earn $100 just for completing these two Core Actions.
Be in the Know can also help you stay active and healthy this winter with Bonus Actions. These activities include wellness walks, on-campus and digital workshops, and even certain visits to your healthcare provider. You can earn up to an additional $80 for completing Bonus Actions and have the chance to win great raffle prizes! See all of the qualifying Bonus Actions on the wellness portal.
Visit the Be in the Know website for more information and important campaign details. If you have questions, email qowl@hr.upenn.edu.
* All cash incentives are less applicable payroll taxes. You must be an active full- or part-time benefits-eligible faculty or staff member to participate. Incentives will be in February 2016, June 2016, and/or September 2016 paychecks, depending on when you complete the Core Actions and qualifying Bonus Actions.
Revisions Coming to Penn’s Short-Term Disability Policy
Penn is revising its short-term disability (STD) and related sick leave policies in order to respond to the needs of our staff. The new plan was developed through the collaborative efforts of the Division of Human Resources, the University Council Committee on Personnel Benefits, and other staff members across the University. These policy changes support full or partial income protection for regular full-time staff members during a period of disability, regardless of weekly or monthly paid status, or length of service.
Who will be affected?
The policy changes are for all current and new regular full-time staff, position grades 28 and below.
University staff members who are covered by collective bargaining agreements should refer to the appropriate contract article. Any contract articles incorporating or referring to previous editions of this policy shall be superseded by the current policy.
When will the change happen?
The changes will go into effect July 1, 2016. Penn’s current sick leave and STD policies remain in effect through June 30, 2016. Leaves that begin prior to July 1, 2016 and continue beyond July 1, 2016 will be paid under the current policy.
What’s changing?
Under the new policy, staff members will be eligible for short-term disability on the first day of the month following their hire date. Staff members will no longer need to accrue STD days. Instead, staff members who are approved for disability will be paid 100% of their base salary for the duration of the disability up to maximum of 6 weeks after a 10-day waiting period.
During the waiting period, sick and/or paid time off (PTO) days will be used. If sick or PTO days are not available, the waiting period will be unpaid. If the approved disability continues beyond 8 weeks, staff members will continue to receive 75% of base salary up to a maximum of 18 additional weeks.
Accrued STD and Sick Days
Staff members will continue to accrue sick days up to a new maximum of 24 days. Staff members who have accrued more than 24 sick days before July 1, 2016 will retain their balance of unused days. These days may be used during the STD waiting period and for unrelated illnesses, doctor’s appointments, intermittent family and medical leave, and care of a family member (up to 5 days in a calendar year).
Staff members who have accrued STD days before July 1, 2016 will retain their balances until June 30, 2018. These days may be used during weeks 9-26 of STD to replace 75% of salary with 100%.
Learn More at an Information Session
Human Resources will hold information sessions to explain the new policy in greater detail. You are encouraged to attend a session at Claudia Cohen Hall, Terrace Room, 249 South 36th Street. Sessions are scheduled for:
Tuesday, February 2
10am-11:30am
2pm-3:30pm
Tuesday, February 9
10am-11:30am
Please register in advance at the Human Resources events page. You can also click here to download the presentation.
If you have questions, please contact fmla@hr.upenn.edu or visit www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/benefits.
Success Starts with STEP UP
The leap from team member to supervisor can be rewarding – and challenging. A new role means changes in responsibilities, expectations, and relationships. Prepare yourself for success and become the effective supervisor you want to be with STEP UP.
STEP UP is Penn’s own unique pre-supervisory training program designed for those who are ready to make the move from staff member to first-line manager. Across seven half-day classroom sessions and seven online modules, you’ll build a foundation of skills, tools, and information that will help you excel in your career.
The program covers essential topics such as managing relationships, communication, and leadership. You’ll also learn skills to help you get work done, deal with change, navigate relationships, and manage up. In addition, you’ll gain insight into your personal strengths and understand how to further develop them with Gallup’s StrengthFinder.
The STEP UP course schedule is flexible to better fit your needs. After the opening session, the next five classes and online modules can be completed in any order.
The next STEP UP program begins February 17. Register today on Knowledge Link. Your department will be charged $150 for the entire program.
NOTE: While the completion of STEP UP doesn't guarantee a promotion to a supervisory role at Penn, it will give you the skills you need to take your career to the next level. If you have questions about STEP UP, contact Human Resources at 215-898-3400.
A Special Shakespeare Performance for Faculty and Staff at the Annenberg Center
If you love live entertainment, but could do without an extra commute, now is your chance to enjoy world-class performing arts at Penn’s Annenberg Center. On February 10, Annenberg Center Live will present an “early bird” 5:30pm performance of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, co-presented by Filter Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company.
In this explosive new take on Shakespeare’s lyrical Twelfth Night, two worlds collide. Britain’s Filter Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company pair classical verse with a riotous gig in this radically-cut and fast-paced story of romance, satire and mistaken identity. "Rock-and-roll Shakespeare's a blast," says the UK’s Daily Telegraph.
This rollicking performance will be followed by a reception. Tickets for this special Penn faculty and staff event are just $20. What a fun way to “brush up your Shakespeare” right on campus!
Seating is limited in Annenberg’s intimate Harold Prince Theater, so order your tickets now.
For more information, visit www.annenbergcenter.org or call 215-898-3900.
Healthy Meals: BBQ Chicken Tenders
These crispy tenders are sure to please the crowd at your next game-day gathering or next week's dinner table.
Find the recipe here or send us your healthy recipes and tips.
Did You Know? MLK Day of Service Opportunities on Campus
If you’re looking for a meaningful Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activity, consider volunteering alongside your Penn coworkers. There will be a variety of opportunities to make a difference as part of the University’s week-long 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change. Visit the Penn Martin Luther King Day of Service website for program information or contact Penn’s African American Resource Center at 215-898-0104.