March 30, 2020

Making adjustments to meet your changing needs

Over the past few weeks, UF has adjusted its existing policies to help faculty and staff continue to work while being mindful of everyone’s health and safety. As a community, we have worked together to rise to the challenge during this time of uncertainty.

Most notably, we have taken the following steps:

  • Processes to enable faculty and staff to work remotely were streamlined to ensure they could quickly transition to continue to lead classes and keep business and support operations functioning as normally as possible.
  • The definition of essential personnel was expanded to ensure those who need to physically report to work at UF were empowered to do so and those who need occasional access had the flexibility to come and go as necessary.

For eligible employees unable to work remotely or on-campus, the University of Florida will provide 10 days of emergency paid sick leave, prorated based on hours work, as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. If your circumstances are preventing you from working at this time, please visit the Guidance on Taking Leave section of our Working through COVID-19 website.

If you have questions, we encourage you to contact your department’s HR representative or email us at humanresources@ad.ufl.edu.


Latest updates

Health plans offer telehealth as an option
Participants in the State of Florida’s HMO and PPO health plans may now use telehealth to access covered health care services from in-network or contracted health care practitioners. No-cost immunizations are also allowed at participating in-network retail pharmacies. For more information, please see the State of Florida’s notification.

GatorCare is waiving co-pays for virtual video visits with UF Health providers for participants who have flu-like symptoms. Video visits from Blue Options providers (Tier 2) are also available at their standard cost share to allow better access. To learn more, visit the GatorCare website.

Hiring pause
On Friday, UF announced it is pausing faculty and staff hiring, including OPS jobs, effective immediately and until further notice, with a few exceptions.


Remote teaching and work support

Ergonomics for your remote workstation
Many of us may be finding ourselves working from home for the first time. Part of adapting to this new normality of working remotely is taking a few minutes to evaluate your new space to make sure it has a good ergonomic configuration. Check out the UFHR Wellness website for tips to help prevent injuries and boost your productivity throughout the day.

Have you set up your UF Google account?
The UF Center for Teaching Excellence reminds us it’s as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Go to google.com/drive & select Personal Account
  2. Login with your UF email & GatorLink password
  3. Done!

Note: You must use your UF email and not a department specific email.

UF Google Account setup process


Updated services and hours

Joey SimpsonUF Mail Services
A big thank you to all of our UF Mail Services employees who are working hard on campus! If you or your department need to make any changes regarding campus mail pick up or drop off, please visit the Business Services’ COVID-19 website.
Pictured at left: Joey Simpson, Assistant Manager


Spotlight

UF Health Gatorade SuppliesUF Health called and the Gators delivered
Last week, Dr. Mike Lauzardo of UF Health reached out to the University Athletic Association in need of Gatorade supplies to support UF Health staff members who are working at COVID-19 screening sites. Scott Stricklin and the Florida Gators were more than happy to play a role in supporting their good work. Go Gators!

Want to show your appreciation?
Today is National Doctor’s Day! You can send a note or a greeting to our UF Health care providers working on the front lines by completing this form.


Worklife and wellness resources

Image of Yusof Al-Wadei in front of a bamboo backdropMoving more for better health
April is National Move More Month. To kick it off, join us online on April 1 from noon to 1 p.m. for a Wellness Wednesday presentation on Healthy Living. UFHR Health Promotion Specialist Yusof Al-Wadei will discuss the importance of physical activity and exercise in creating a healthy lifestyle and will share simple steps that can be adopted to help us move more and live healthier lives.

To register, go to the Wellness Wednesday course homepage in myTraining.  A link to the live stream will be included in the registration confirmation email through myTraining. If you have registered for a previous Wellness Wednesday, please click “Register Again.”


Census Stand-Down

2020 Census Stand-Down

UF is joining the City of Gainesville and Alachua County in a one-hour ‘stand down’ from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on April 1 for National Census Day. Students, faculty and staff are invited to take a few minutes to go online and complete their Census. Please note that completing the Census during your workday may be considered time worked. To learn more, visit the Bob Graham Center website.