Communicate and Connect
The Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) is pleased to share our new weekly e-newsletter. It is our hope that the Employee Matters newsletter will help us better communicate and better connect with our employees. This edition focuses key information and helpful resources related to working within our current remote circumstances.
Please know that the HRSTM team are committed to serving and supporting you—even at a distance! Please feel free to reach out for any assistance you may need. For a list of staff and their contact information, please visit our Points of Contact page on the HRSTM website or simply email HRSTM or call 240-567-5353.
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Our New Normal
We are all adjusting to our new life of remote work. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic only very few MC employees were choosing telework. This is a new style of working for the majority of our community where zoom meeting have become our way of life. If you would like to see how your colleagues and classmates are handling the stay-at-home orders, please view these short videos made from inside their homes. #MCstrong #socialdistancingtogether
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COVID-19 and the American WorkplaceTemporary Rule: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to this new law, effective April 1, 2020.
For non-COVID-related circumstances, the College’s leave policy will resume as usual. College employees will accrue and be able to use the various types of leave afforded to them for the usual reasons via the usual approval process. Access forms for both leaves on the COVID-19 Employee Assistance webpage.
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Healthcare Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account Updates
On March 27, 2020, the president signed into law the CARES Act. This law has many important components, one of which permanently reinstates coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medicines as items eligible for reimbursement under Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans. With this law, OTC drugs and medicines will no longer require participants to have a prescription to prove eligibility. In addition, the bill expands the eligible OTC definition to include menstrual care products (i.e. tampons, pads, etc.).
This change is retroactive and effective for expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2020. If using the Benefit Strategies (FSA) or HSA Bank (HSA) debit card to pay for these items, please note that merchants will be updating their systems as time allows. There could be some delays and inconsistencies. Participants who are unable to use their FSA debit cards to purchase the OTC drugs, medicines, or menstrual care products, are encouraged to use another form of payment and submit for reimbursement to Benefit Strategies through the secure online portal (benstrat.com), mobile application, or a claim form. Participants who are unable to use their HSA Bank debit card should use another form of payment and retain their receipts for tax purposes.
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Health Rewards Program
If you are enrolled in a Cigna health plan through the College, Cigna is offering some special deals through their Healthy Rewards program.
- Daily Burn Home Video Classes - free trial of more than 1,700 virtual fitness classes
- Mom’s Meals - meal delivery service
Cigna also offers behavioral/mental health virtual care. Treatment is available for conditions such as depression, grief, bipolar disorder, panic disorders, stress, and more. You can talk privately with a licensed counselor or psychiatrist via video or phone, and have a prescription sent directly to your local pharmacy, if appropriate. You may also receive care through Cigna’s network of behavioral health providers.
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Face Covering RequirementHealth Order Effective April 13
Beginning Monday, April 13, Montgomery County Officials are requiring shoppers wear a face covering while shopping at grocery stores, pharmacies, farmers markets, and big box retailers. The order is aimed at protecting shoppers and employees from the spread of COVID-19. A face covering can be a homemade cloth mask, a scarf, or bandana or other means of snugly covering the mouth and nose. View the full press release.
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Important Dates April 16
1:30–2:15 p.m.
Remote Working Webinar: Minimize Anxiety While Working Remotely
Log into MC Learns and click on the Personal Development category for the webinar.
April 17
Timesheets due by noon.
April 21
Administrative Professionals Day
June 4
Staff Enrichment Day
Daily Stretch Breaks
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Leave GuidanceEffective April 4
For non-COVID-related circumstances, the College’s leave policy and procedures will resume as usual, effective April 4. College employees will accrue and be able to use the various types of leave afforded to them for the usual reasons via the usual approval process.
For COVID-related leave, the next time sheet and leave guidance memo for the next pay period of 04/04/20 to 04/17/20 will provide details under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
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Wellness Update
The MC Next Generation Wellness program is quickly adapting to our virtual environment. Online classes are being offered daily and last week Dr. Pollard attended a live Zoom class taught by our Wellness Coordinator, India Hunter!
If you participate in the EAP Outside Gym Reimbursement program, please check your gym’s website to see what their policy is regarding fees/dues during the stay at home order.
Watch for email updates from India and the Wellness program as we stay healthy together during this difficult time.
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Join MC Employee Facebook Group
Stay up to date on the latest news by joining our private MC employee Facebook group. This group is only open to MC employees and will require approval to join.
Let's stay connected.
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