News for Employees
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Connect, Learn and Grow Series Launches
A new online series, Connect, Learn and Grow, offers online learning and connection for UW–Madison employees. The series will feature a variety of speakers and topics, with a new episode posted online each Wednesday. Episodes will continue to be available online after they are posted. In the first episode, real UW employees have a conversation about what they are doing to find balance and motivation in these challenging times. Connect, Learn and Grow is one of several offerings available at no cost in the Virtual Learning program from Learning and Talent Development.
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Ombuds Office Helps with Work-Related Concerns
The Ombuds team serves the UW–Madison community with confidential guidance with work-related challenges, whether they relate to the new challenges presented by COVID-19 or to other issues. During the “Safer at Home” order, the Ombuds team is available via phone and video chat. Ombuds work with UW faculty and staff to collaboratively explore concerns, clarify issues, and consider options and resources. The services of the Ombuds office are available at no cost to all UW faculty and staff, including graduate students and post docs. To set up an appointment, leave a voice message at 608-265-9992, or send an email to uwombuds@mailplus.wisc.edu. A member of the Ombuds team will respond within 24 hours. For more information about Ombuds, visit ombuds.wisc.edu.
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Emergency Leave Programs for Employees Affected by COVID-19
UW–Madison employees who are affected by COVID-19 may qualify for paid leave under the federal program called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and/or under the UW–Madison COVID-19 Pandemic Employee Work Location and Leave Policy. UW COVID-19 leave is available to employees who qualify until May 1, 2020. The federal programs continue until December 31, 2020.
Employees must complete and submit a “Request for Leave under Federal Emergency and/or UW–Madison COVID-19 Leave Programs” for emergency leave taken from April 1, 2020, until May 1, 2020. Employees who wish to request emergency leave will work with their Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) to complete their request. The DDR will use the information provided by the employee to determine which program(s) the employee qualifies for. Employees can find contact information for their DDR at employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/divisional-disability-representatives-ddr. The request form and instructions can be found at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/emergency-leave. Additional details will be made available to employees in the coming days.
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WRS Annual Statement of Benefits Now Available
If you were covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in 2019, your WRS Annual Statement of Benefits is now available. To view your statement, go to MyUW and launch the Benefit Information module. Then click on the Statements tab and choose “2019 ETF Annual Statement of Benefits (WRS) Issued 2020.” The statement includes your 2019 earnings, retirement benefit projections, primary beneficiary designation(s) for your WRS account, and more. Resources to help you understand your statement can be found online at etf.wi.gov/retirement/wrs-retirement-benefit/my-statement-benefits. If you have questions, please contact your human resources office.
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Virtual Learning Supports Inclusion Efforts
A variety of online professional development opportunities are available at no cost to UW–Madison employees who wish to foster inclusion in themselves and others. Several online workshops will be offered this spring, including Teaching Inclusively and Equitably (a four-part series), Emotional Intelligence Conversation Cafés, and Bystander Intervention: Stepping in with Care and Confidence. All workshops will invite attendee participation, and training in the virtual learning platform will be provided. Advance registration is required, and instructions on how to join the sessions will be emailed to registrants. For more information, visit go.wisc.edu/6103hn.
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TSA Retirement Program Offers Live Webinars
The UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) 403(b) Program is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows employees to invest a portion of their income for retirement on either a pre-tax basis, an after-tax basis (Roth), or a combination of both. Participation in the UW TSA Program is voluntary, with employees making the entire contribution; there is no employer match. Live webinars scheduled for April, May, and June will provide information about the TSA Program and other topics related to budgeting, investing, and planning for retirement. A basic introduction to the TSA program is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at 11 a.m. The webinars are free, and registration is required.
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IRA and HSA Contribution Deadlines for 2019 Extended
In March, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced special Federal income tax return filing and payment relief in response to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. Because the due date for filing Federal income tax returns has been postponed to July 15, the deadline for making contributions to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for 2019 is also extended to July 15, 2020. Similarly, under this relief, you may make contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) for 2019 at any time up to July 15, 2020. Contributions to a Wisconsin college savings account must be made by April 15, 2020, to qualify for the 2019 Wisconsin income tax return subtraction.
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COVID-19 Information from Human Resources Now Online
UW–Madison employees can find answers to frequently asked questions on a new website prepared by the Office of Human Resources. The website provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on issues such as reporting to work, telecommuting, leave policy, health and well-being, campus buildings and transportation, international employees, and more. With the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to change rapidly, updates and additions to this website are expected. Employees are encouraged to check the site periodically for updates. Employees should also continue to visit the central site for the campus community at covid19.wisc.edu, which provides important information regarding health guidance, campus operations, and more. The new human resources information is available at hr.wisc.edu/covid19. Questions about this information can be directed to one’s supervisor or local human resources contact.
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Confidential Mental Health Services Available to Employees and Families
UW–Madison employees and their families are encouraged to take care of their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are experiencing concerns about illness, finances, loved ones, and more. The current situation also requires adjusting to new realities, while physical distancing can make many feel isolated. The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) offers free, confidential counseling on personal or professional concerns to UW–Madison employees, significant others, and family members Monday through Friday during business hours. At this time, appointments for phone or video chats are available the same week they are requested. For 24/7 access to counselors, contact EAO partner LifeMatters. Visit hr.wisc.edu/employee-assistance-office for details.
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Find Resources for Supervising Remotely
Supervising Remotely, a new website designed for managers and supervisors, offers a collection of best practices and resources for supervising others who are working remotely. The content addresses issues such as setting clear expectations, communicating regularly, managing workloads, and leading with trust. Recommendations are also provided for sustaining engagement, inclusion and diversity principles while working remotely. The site, developed by the Office of Human Resources, provides links to online professional development resources from UW–Madison and LinkedIn Learning.