New Groups Named “Employee Connections”
The Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) recently established two employee groups, “Working from Home with Children” and “Managing the Challenges of Working Remotely.” HRSTM has decided to name these and future groups “Employee Connections.”
The virtual sessions started in early June and meetings are once a week. About 10–15 employees participate weekly. Both groups have received great feedback from the participants.
Employee Connections groups are designed to provide leadership opportunities for those who wish to participate in, initiate, or lead a group, and to foster a supportive community where all employees can experience a greater sense of belonging. Zoom meetings will continue to be scheduled for each group. See the group descriptions below:
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Working from Home with Children
This group meets virtually to discuss balancing working from home and managing children simultaneously. Each week the group selects a topic to discuss. Some topics include dealing with stress as a working parent, children summer activities ideas, COVID-19 and attending activities for children as the schools begin to open up again, and thoughts on the reopening of schools for the fall. Join this group.
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Managing the Challenges of Working Remotely
This group meets virtually to discuss the challenges associated with working from home. Topics include dealing with stress and/or feelings of isolation, maintaining health and wellness, and managing a work/life balance. Join this group.
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Search Advocate Certification Opportunity
Learn how to promote equity, validity, and diversity at Montgomery College. These workshops will address current research about implicit bias, diversity, the changing legal landscape in hiring, inclusive employment principles, practical strategies for each stage of the search process, and effective ways to be an advocate and advisor for MC search committees. Learn more about the Search Advocate Program and how to apply. If you previously applied to the program, it is unnecessary to apply again.
TRAINING DATES AND TIMES VIA ZOOM:
August 26 and 27 | 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
August 28 | 10 a.m –5 p.m.
Attendance at all three sessions is required.
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Changes
In response to the pandemic, the IRS has issued guidance allowing employees to make prospective changes to their FSAs for 2020. This includes dependent daycare, mass transit, healthcare, and limited accounts (limited applies to Cigna Health Savings Account participants only). Some participants may have put funds aside to pay for summer camps that are now canceled due to the crisis, or have other unexpected COVID-related healthcare expenses. Recognizing these needs, the College will allow the following prospective changes to FSAs without a qualifying life event:
- Revoking an election
- Making a new election
- Increasing or decreasing an existing election
If you wish to modify your FSA election, please email HR Benefits with your M number, the change you wish to make, and when you would like it effective (i.e.: next pay).
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Contribute Your Skills: Talent Share Program
In response to the challenges of COVID-19, HRSTM created an opportunity for employees to share their talents and expertise across Montgomery College. Employees who participate in this program can increase visibility and connections to the MC community while staying safe working in remote status. The Talent Share Program participants have the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with other units and teams to support departments across the College.
- Increase network and connections Collegewide.
- Contribute transferable skills while adding to professional growth and development.
If you are a supervisor and your department has employees who can support others with increased workloads through the Talent Share Program, please visit Talent Share Program and click “contribute talent form” to initiate the process.
If you are a supervisor and your department has employees with increased workloads and need support from others, through the Talent Share Program, please visit Talent Share Program and click “request talent form” to initiate the process.
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Important DatesThursday, August 6
Friday, August 14
Daily Stretch Breaks
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Extra Money in July 31 Paycheck for 12-Month Employees
Insurance premiums for 12-month employees are based on 26 pays. Since there are 27 pays in 2020 and three paychecks in July, there will be no deductions taken on the July 31, 2020 paycheck for medical, dental, vision, group legal, life (Basic, Optional, and Dependent), and long-term disability insurance. However, regular deductions for all flexible spending and health savings accounts (HSAs) will continue on the July 31 paycheck.
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Share Your Ideas for Employee Connections!
We are looking to expand our topics and gain more participation in HRSTM’s employee groups: Employee Connections. Groups to be established include “Virtual Learning Teaching Techniques” and “Overcoming Financial Obstacles.” If you are interested in partnering with HRSTM’s Employee Connections or have ideas on new groups to launch, please contact Leslie Jones or Kathleen Boyer.
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Update Your Contact Information in Workday
In alignment with our MC COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan and to assist in contact tracing, we need all employees to update their personal contact information. Visit the job aid for step-by-step instructions.
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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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More Information
Suggestion for the Newsletter?
If you have a suggestion for the newsletter, please email HRSTM.
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