myHR: July 20, 2016

The Art of Effective Presentations

If you dread presenting, you’re not alone. An estimated 75% of people experience some level of anxiety related to public speaking. Yet presenting is a common expectation in many jobs these days. You may be asked to lead a staff meeting, present to leadership, or participate in a conference presentation. The Art of Presentation Skills can help you calm your nerves and make the most of these opportunities.

Register now for this unique two-part workshop, which starts with a half-day session on Wednesday, August 10, 9am-12pm, and concludes with an extended brown bag session on Wednesday September 7, 12pm-2:30pm.

At the August 10 session, you’ll learn the essentials to delivering an effective presentation, including:

• A simple approach to preparing and organizing a presentation
• Key elements for any presentation, whether you are persuading, educating, or informing
• The art of making your presentation memorable

You’ll also select a topic of interest for a presentation at the second session. When you reconvene on September 7, you will present your topic and get helpful feedback in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Revision to Eligibility Service-Counting Rules for Penn’s Retiree Medical Plans

The University is revising it service-counting rules for the Health and Welfare Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employees. These rules determine when employees become eligible to receive medical and other retiree benefits under the “Rule of 75.” This change will provide more flexibility for employees who may wish to switch to a part-time schedule to support their work and life goals.

What’s Changing

Effective as of January 1, 2017, the service-counting rules in the University of Pennsylvania Health and Welfare Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employees Plan are being amended to eliminate the requirement that service be both full-time and continuous to count toward plan eligibility. After the changes take effect, all of an employee’s full-time service will count toward the Plan’s eligibility requirements even if an employee has an intervening period of part-time service. Periods of full-time University service separated by a period of part-time service will be bridged to determine Plan eligibility.

What is not changing is that all service must be continuous in order for the full-time service to be counted.

Background on the “Rule of 75”

Employees are eligible to receive Health and Welfare Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employees benefits if they satisfy the Plan’s “Rule of 75” eligibility requirements. The Rule of 75 is met when an individual is at least 55 years old, has at least 10 years of service, and the sum of that individual’s age and service equals 75. For example, an employee who is age 62 and has 15 years of service satisfies the Rule of 75 eligibility requirements, but a person age 52 with 25 years of service does not meet the rule because an individual must be at least 55 to qualify. Visit https://www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/benefits/retiree/eligibility for details.

What Will Count Toward Eligibility

Under the new rules, effective January 1, 2017, an employee’s full-time service—both before and after a period of part-time service—will count under the Health and Welfare Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employee Plan. However, while a period of part-time service will no longer cause an employee to lose an earlier period of continuous full-time service, the part-time service itself will not count toward the Plan’s service requirements.

Also, the Plan’s service-counting rules continue to state that if there is an outright break in service in which a person is no longer a full- or part-time Penn employee, the service before the break will not be counted under the Plan. For example, if an employee leaves Penn to take a job with another organization and then later is rehired by the University, or if a full-time employee changes to temporary service, then returns to full-time employment; then the service before the break will not be counted.

More information about this change and the Health and Welfare Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employee Plan’s service-counting rules can be found in the summary plan description (SPD), which can be accessed at www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/benefits/spd. To request a written copy of the Plan’s SPD, contact the Division of Human Resources at 215-898-6884.

Breastfeeding Resources and Support at Penn

Across the globe, World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) focuses attention on the physical, emotional, and social benefits of nursing. Communities come together to celebrate health and wellbeing, and to explore ways to care for one another. Research shows that nursing mothers benefit from this kind of community support because it encourages them to breastfeed longer.

Here at Penn, parents who nurse have access to valuable information, resources, and support that can help them nurse as long as they want. This includes:

Nursing Mothers Policy – Provides guidance for staff and supervisors, and helps ensure space is available for faculty and staff who are nursing

New and Expectant Parent Briefing – Highlights parenting and childcare resources available at Penn and in local communities

Breastfeeding Support Group – Connects nursing parents with each other, which can help with continuing to breastfeed after returning to work

On-Campus Nursing and Lactation Space – Identifies the designated nursing/lactation spaces across campus

Health care providers are also a critical part of the breastfeeding support network. All of Penn’s health insurance carriers cover breastfeeding support as a preventative health need. Visit your insurance provider’s website to find a lactation consultant. A consultant can help families learn what to expect, as well as offer instruction and support. Remember, when you choose a provider in your insurance carrier’s network, the carrier may be able to bill the consultant directly, which can save you time and money out of pocket.

Health insurance may also cover some or all of the cost of a breast pump. Contact your insurance provider directly for more information. If you opt for a Medela brand pump, the Penn Women’s Center offers a free pump accessory kit for all members of the Penn community and their spouses or partners.

As members of the Penn community, we can play a role in supporting parents who breastfeed by being caring and respectful, and familiarizing ourselves with the Nursing Mothers Policy.

For more information, contact Human Resources’ Quality of Work-Life office at worklife@hr.upenn.edu or 215-898-7729.

Plenty of vegetables and lean flank steak make this salad a satisfying and healthy meal.

Find the recipe here or send us your healthy recipes and tips. 

Did You Know? If You Need Proof of Employment or Salary

Penn offers automated employment verification through The Work Number. This fast, secure service can be used for mortgage and loan applications, reference checks, leases, or anything else that requires you to show proof of employment and/or income.