Employees are invited to comment on the revised RPM Family and Medical Leave policy by June 11. https://hr.lbl.gov/2020/05/07/comment-period-family-and-medical-leave-policy/
3Q4 Leticia Ericson on COVID-19 & Family Stress
Leticia Ericson of the Lab’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office discusses the increase in domestic violence that has surfaced as a result of the COVID-19 quarantine, and ways to reduce the risk of harm, in this “Three Questions For” feature. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/05/06/three-questions-for-leticia-ericson-on-covid-and-increased-family-stress/
New Website for Managing Disability & Absences
The Integrated Disability & Absence Management Services Team provides assistance to employees and supervisors on all aspects of disability and leave of absence management. The team has launched a new website that provides access to documents, resources, contacts, and other relevant information. https://ehs.lbl.gov/service/industrial-hygiene/health-services/integrated-disability-absence-management-services/
May 7: Navigating Emotional Impact of Climate Change
On Thursday, May 7, 12:10 to 1:30 p.m., Elliott DiTusa of the Employee Assistance Program will discuss the emotional impact of climate change, offer healthy and effective ways to strengthen our emotional resilience, and explore how the COVID-19 pandemic can surprisingly offer hope and optimism. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=Mm9nanN1OGk2bGI5ZGk2dGltMWRzcmNtdGMgbGJsLmdvdl92NXIya281MmQ0NHZvcTZtY2kwOHNkNzE1a0Bn&tmsrc=lbl.gov_v5r2ko52d44voq6mci08sd715k%40group.calendar.google.com
Lab Crisis Care Program Extended to May 15
Bright Horizons’ Crisis Care Program has been extended through May 15. During this time, those unable to secure care via the Bright Horizons network can secure their own care (i.e. friend, neighbor) and get reimbursed $100 per day. Bright Horizons registration is required to activate the program. https://clients.brighthorizons.com/lbnl
April 20 Workshop on Postdoc Mental Health Resources
A Postdoc Behavioral Health Resource Workshop will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. Representatives from the Employee Assistance Program, Gallagher Benefits, and Mental Health Network will participate in the workshop, which will cover benefit coverage and access. https://calendar.google.com/calendar/r/eventedit/copy/MWpybzh0NmMwcGFkZGhpOTIyMWhvaG5xMnUgbGJsLmdvdl9hZW9zYjdxOTd1aWE4bThvNmY3ajNnZ2o3OEBn/bGh1bnRlckBsYmwuZ292?sf=true
Reminder: Deadline Is Today for FSA Claims
You may have read in the media that the IRS tax filing date was moved from April 15 to July 15, 2020. This change does not apply to Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. The deadline to to file claims for eligible expenses in 2019 is today, April 15. https://www.wageworks.com/ucfsa/
Get Personalized Retirement Planning and Help
UC-dedicated Fidelity representatives are available to provide employees with one-on-one guidance on retirement and financial planning, either by phone or video chat. Call 800-558-9182. No appoinment is needed. https://myucretirement.com/Counseling
Zoom Replay: COVID-19 and the Impact on Visas and Immigration
A seminar on the impact of COVID-19 on visas and immigration was held on April 2. This replay provides the presentation along with the questions and answers that followed. Contact irso@lbl.gov if you have additional questions. https://streaming.lbl.gov/video-library/2020
Changes to Health Savings and Reimbursement Accounts
The new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act contains provisions that will affect Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Also, under existing rules, changes to FSA contributions or enrollment may be possible. https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2020/03/new-rules-for-tax-advantaged-accounts-in-response-to-covid-19.html