myHR: December 14, 2016

Human Resources Special Winter Vacation Hours

As we near the end of the 2016 calendar year, the Division of Human Resources wants to remind you of our schedule during the holidays. Human Resources will be closed Monday, December 26, 2016 through Monday, January 2, 2017 for the Special Winter Vacation. However, during the break, some of our resources will still be available to faculty and staff as shown below:

Resource	Contact Information	Services	Holiday Schedule
Penn Benefits Center	1-888-PENNBENN (1-888-736-6236) www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/benefits	Penn's health and welfare benefits	Dec. 26: closed Jan. 2: closed
Retirement Call Center	1-877-PENN-RET (1-888-736-6738) www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/benefits/retirement	Penn's retirement plans	Dec. 23: open 8am-4pm EST Dec. 24  -26: closed Jan. 2: closed
Staff & Labor Relations	1-215-898-6093 www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/payandperform/appraisal/ performance-management-programs www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/workplaceissues	Emergency employee relations issues	Dec. 26-Jan.2: closed Voicemails checked daily
Employee Assistance Program	1-888-321-4433 www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/worklife/healthy/eap	Personal and professional life issues	Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Care.com Backup Care	1-800-688-4697	Temporary in-home dependent child and adult care services to help you manage your professional responsibilities	Care available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Please register and schedule care in advance. Call Center: Dec. 24-25: closed Jan. 1: closed

 

 

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Suspension of Normal Operations

Although Penn normally never stops operating, emergencies such as severe weather conditions may sometimes result in the cancellation of classes and/or
the full or partial closure of certain areas of the University. Decisions affecting work schedules and
class cancellation are made by the Executive Vice
President in consultation with the Provost. The
University will announce a closing or other modification of work schedules through the following means:

• the University’s emergency information number: (215) 898-6358 (215-898-MELT)
• communications from the Division of Public Safety
• KYW News Radio (1060 AM)
• the UPennAlert Emergency Notification System (for University-related incidents & crises)

The University’s emergency radio identification code numbers (KYW News Radio) are “102” for day classes and schools/centers and “2102” for evening classes. The message that accompanies the code number will provide the operating status of the University. Be sure to keep this information in a place you can easily access.

Even when Penn is officially closed due to an emergency, there are some essential services that must still be provided, such as Public Safety or Facilities. Staff members in essential positions are still required to work as normally scheduled under these circumstances.

For more information on suspension of normal operations, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/resources/policy/other/suspensionofnormaloperations

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Maintain, Don't Gain, This Holiday Season

This time of year, calendars are packed with special events and tables stacked with tempting treats. It’s no surprise that most Americans gain several pounds during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Many also struggle to shed the extra weight later. 

So, how can you enjoy the festivities without packing on the pounds? These strategies can help.

Make Smart Substitutions

Cut calories in your holiday dishes by substituting lower-fat options. For instance, instead of vegetables sautéed in oil and served with butter, try simply steaming vegetables and topping them with lemon juice and herbs. A ½-cup of green beans served this way has only 15 calories.

Substituting nonfat yogurt or low-calorie sour cream can save an average of 100 calories and 10 grams of fat per tablespoon compared to butter.

Pie for dessert? Substitute frozen yogurt for ice cream or whipped cream. You could save 460 calories and 32 grams of fat.

If you’re eying condiments at the buffet, swap mustard for mayonnaise, and you’ll save 82 calories and 8 grams of fat.

Party with a Plan

You don’t have to give up healthy eating at parties and buffets. Instead, make a plan that balances your desire to have fun with your health goals:

• Allow yourself to indulge – in moderation – and be specific. Naming the type and number of treats you’ll allow yourself at a party or for the course of the season can help you stay on track.
• Don’t bank calories during the day so you can indulge later. Often, you’ll end up eating more anyway. Instead, fill up on higher-fiber foods like whole grains, vegetables, and fruits during the day.
• Use a smaller plate and fill it first with healthier options, like vegetables or salad. Eat slowly and wait at least 10 minutes before going back for seconds.
• Anticipate your cravings and, instead of giving in, do something else, like taking a walk or calling a friend.

Stay Active

Try to stick with your regular exercise routines as much as possible. If your busy schedule has you tempted to skip your workouts entirely, don’t! A mere 20-30 minutes can help you manage stress and maintain your weight. Take a brisk walk at lunch or after dinner. Even a short workout can restore your energy.You can also earn Bonus Action points for Be in the Know just by exercising regularly. Learn more at www.hr.upenn.edu/beintheknow.

Source: StayWell

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What You Need to Know About IRS Form 1095-C

This coming tax season, most Penn faculty and staff members will receive an IRS document called Form 1095-C. Required by the Affordable Care Act, Form 1095-C includes information about the health insurance coverage offered to you by Penn.

You will receive this form if you:

• worked as a full-time benefits-eligible staff or faculty member in 2016, even if you have not enrolled in a Penn plan.
• are a part-time benefits eligible staff or faculty member enrolled in a Penn benefit plan at any point in 2016,
• or you worked at Penn an average of 30 or more hours per week in 2016 and were offered ACA benefits coverage.

The 1095-C form will be mailed to you on or before January 31, 2017. Your form will also be available online on or before January 31, 2017 in the My Pay section of the secure U@Penn portal at www.upenn.edu/u@penn. Select “My 1095-C form” to access yours. If you have questions about your form, call Equifax at 1- 888-833-3596.

If you receive a Form 1095-C from Penn, be sure to keep it for your records. You may need the information on the form when you file your tax return or have your tax return prepared.

If your family members–adult children under age 26, for example– are covered under a Penn healthcare plan, they may also need a copy of your Form 1095-C for their tax returns.

Your Form 1095-C will contain details about your eligibility for Penn health plans. The form will also provide information for each of your family members enrolled under your Penn benefit plan. The IRS will use the information from 1095-C to determine who will need to make a Shared Responsibility Payment for failing to have healthcare coverage as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

If you worked for other employers during 2016, or had other sources of coverage in 2016, you may receive similar forms from them as well.

For detailed information and updates about Form 1095-C, visit www.irs.gov/form1095c and the IRS Affordable Care Act Tax Provisions for Individuals and Families webpages.

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Healthy Meals: Tangy Lemon Cheesecake Bars

This delicious spin on lemon bars has a fraction of the sugar in traditional lemon squares.

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

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Did You Know? Pay Timing in December Reminder

Moving forward, the University will follow the normal payment schedule in the weeks before Thanksgiving and the Special Winter Vacation. As we approach the end of December, keep these dates in mind:

For weekly paid staff, the fifth pay in December is Friday, December 30.

For monthly paid faculty and staff, the last pay date of this calendar year is December 30.

For details, visit http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v63/n02/pay-timing.html.

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Winter Vacation Poll

What will you do over Penn's Special Winter Vacation? Complete this survey, and you'll be entered into a prize drawing.

The drawing will take place on December 22, 2016.
One entry per person. No new entries will be accepted after 11:59pm on December 21, 2016. You must be a Penn employee to win. The winner will be notified by email.