PEOPLE RESOURCES
Your Connection to Human Resources - April 2020
Welcome Back!
COVID-19 Employee Update
In an effort to keep all of our employees informed and confident about employment matters during the COVID-19 public health emergency, Human Resources is writing to update you on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed on March 18, 2020. The act includes two provisions aimed at reducing the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on workers. The provisions are the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA). Both of these provisions take effect on April 1, 2020.
The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act requires the District to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for certain coronavirus-related absences. The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act provision adds a new section to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): leave due to a “qualifying need because of a public health emergency,” where an employee is unable to work or unable to work from home.
Employees who believe they qualify for leave under one of these new provisions should complete the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Form or contact Jamie Allar or Tammy Bents in Human Resources.
For more information: View the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Poster
tips on working from home
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees across the country are facing the new reality of working from home for the unforeseeable future. For some, this might be business as usual. For others, this might be an entirely new experience, one that takes time to adjust to. Many are also faced with having a new set of coworkers (spouse, kids, pets, etc.) to juggle in addition to working from home. Here are some tips for making it work and staying sane.
- Select a Designated Work Area. Although it may seem trivial, choosing a spot in your home that is designated for working from home is an important step for setting yourself up for success. Choose a spot that you can work from every day. It could be your kitchen table, office desk, your basement ping pong table, etc. Try to avoid working from the couch or your bed as these are associated with relaxation and sleep. Creating a separate workspace will benefit your productivity as well as your mental well-being.
- Limit Distractions. This is way easier said than done, especially with those new coworkers lurking about. Avoid distractions like surfing the internet or watching tv while you work. Stay focused on your work throughout the day to maintain consistent productivity. Being unfocused or distracted may lead you to fall behind on your work/deadlines.
- Dress for Success. Did you know that your clothing has a significant psychological effect on your work performance? Dress like you’re still physically going into the office. It can be so easy to slip into those comfy sweats, but take the time to shower, brush your teeth, and get ready for the day.
- Take Breaks. Just because you’re working at home, doesn’t mean you can’t take a short break. If you need a break to gather your thoughts, try walking around the house or down the street, stretching, or making a snack or meal. If you have family at home, maybe take a daily break to have lunch together and discuss your day.
- Stay Connected. Although we aren’t physically near our coworkers, supervisors, managers, etc. it doesn’t mean we can’t stay in touch. Make sure to schedule regular meetings and communications to check in with your team. It’s easy to feel disconnected from what’s going on in the office, so remaining engaged is key. Stay in touch using online meetings, phone calls, instant messaging, emails, etc.
You may want to also consider the following tips from Penny Roberts, Regional Education Development Specialist at University of Phoenix College of Education and by PC Mag.
- Maintain Regular Work Hours. Set a schedule, and stick to it...most of the time. Having clear guidelines for when to work and when to call it a day helps many remote workers maintain work-life balance. That said, one of the benefits of remote work is flexibility, and sometimes you need to extend your day or start early to accommodate someone else's time zone. When you do, be sure to wrap up earlier than usual or sleep in a bit the next morning to make up for it.
- Create a Morning Routine. Deciding you'll sit down at your desk and start work at a certain time is one thing. Creating a routine that guides you into the chair is another. What in your morning routine indicates you're about to start work? It might be making a cup of coffee. It might be returning home after a jog. Consider getting dressed for work, even if you plan to be in front of the computer all day. You’ll feel better and more focused when you are dressed for work in business casual. And, you are always ready for the option of video chatting if necessary.
- Be Positive. I like succinct and clear messages, but I know that the less face time I have with people, the less they know how to interpret my tone in writing. When you work remotely full-time, you must be positive, to the point where it may feel like you're being overly positive. Otherwise, you risk sounding like a jerk. It's unfortunate, but true. So embrace the exclamation point!
For additional resources, visit the NIS guide to working from home.
MyAspirus
If you use Aspirus physicians, you may be interested in MyAspirus! MyAspirus gives you direct online access to portions of your electronic medical record where your Aspirus health care provider stores your health information. Your lab results, appointment information, prescription medications, immunizations, and more are all securely stored in this electronic record for quick retrieval.
MyAspirus provides convenient methods of communication with your provider’s office. Renew prescriptions, send non-emergent messages, and schedule appointments – all online!
Click HERE to open information about how MyAspirus works.
How to Register with Express Scripts
Click here or download the Express Scripts mobile app and select the Register link. Complete the information requested, and then set up your username, password, and security information. Last, click Register now... and you're registered!
Tools available through the Express Scripts website and the Express Scripts mobile app let you compare prices of medicines at multiple pharmacies. You can also order refills, check the status of your orders, and track your shipments. You can even print forms and ID cards, if needed.
If you have any questions, you can cell Express Scripts for help at 855-778-1422.
Try convenient mail-order delivery.
When you choose mail-order delivery from Express Scripts, you get free standard shipping, plus you get up to a 90 day supply of your maintenance medications.
If you have questions about medications you're taking, you can talk with an Express Scripts pharmacist from the privacy of your home anytime. You can get the latest information on your medicine, including possible side effects and drug interactions.
Tell Us What You'd Like To Know
We are looking for topics that interest you. Please let us know what you'd like to see in a future newsletter. Send your responses to wsdhr@wausauschools.org.
Contact Human Resources
Email: wsdhr@wausauschools.org
Website: http://www.wausauschools.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=3633368
Location: Longfellow Administration Center
Phone: 715-261-0520