Anyone aware of what the deal is with use "Emergency HR Pay" while out with COVID? I came down with it and have had a pretty tough time getting back to normal. When I first tested positive I called to report my case to SOACC, who assigned me a caseworker. The caseworker told me to log in from my laptop and fill out time off on Workday using "Emergency HR Pay". Apparently this does not cut into any of my normal time away from work, like sick or vacation. I was also told there is no limit of how long this can be used and have not be asked to send in any test results or medical documentation. I am doing everything I can to get better but cannot stop these fevers. I am going on my third week. This is no bull. I am really sick. However, I am thinking with a policy like this, how many people are milking this or trying to milk this? Jan. 31 will be my third week. I don't even have another telemedicine appointment with my doctor until February 3. So unless something changes drastically, I will likely be out another week. Normally at this point I believe the protocol is to put someone on short term disability. No mention of that so far. This seems very strange. However, I haven't missed any substantial time since I had a child almost 20 years ago, maybe a day here or there. So I am really out of the loop on the whole process. Please share anything you may know.
6 replies (most recent on top)
People are getting sick and dying from COVID. Hope you get better.
BUT in answer to your question, yes, unfortunately the Emergency Pay due to COVID is being milked by associates that take advantage of any and every opportunity thrown their way. It’s not right, but it’s reality
I had Covid in September and they give you 15 business days off (three weeks) to recover. Mine didn't count against any sick or vacation time, it was basically a free 15 days. They handled it pretty well I thought. I also had a case worker who called me once/twice a week to see how I was doing and asked about my symptoms..it was like a 5 minute call. The case worker never said anything to me about logging on to Workday or anything. My first day off was September 3rd and I got a call the week of September 20th saying I was due back September 27th if i felt better. There was no pressure at all and it was depending how I felt. The case worker did say that if I wasn't up to coming back on September 27th then sick days would be used. It was totally up to me. I was off from 9/3 to 9/24 which was 15 business days (minus Labor Day). I did ask if I wanted more time and used up all my sick days what would happen and I believe the case worker said then it would be considered a leave of absence. Don't quote on this last part because I could have the details wrong because I wasn't going to do that anyway but I think that was the message they recited to me. Again, I thought the bank handled everything well and don't worry about anything, they will work with you.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with you needing time off for Covid, even if it is more than 3 weeks. I hope you feel better soon. Your scenario is what really scares me the most because I too am vaccinated and boosted.
First off, hope you feel better! This virus stinks. I am only on my first week of hr emergency pay but was wondering the same things you are. I take calls back to back and am worried I won't be able to return to that as I have a hard time getting through a kids book lately. I'm so out of breath from basically nothing and have coughing fits that start up the bad headaches again. Ugh. I want to work I hate being paid for doing nothing just know I can't return to 8 hours of phones anytime soon. Worried about my job and wondered if they would lay me off eventually or find something I can do..
Well dang. I don’t know but just here to say I hope you feel better.
PS - I am vaccinated and boosted!!