We realize there are many unknowns and anxieties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these is the concern about balancing work and life responsibilities. Some faculty and staff worry about teleworking while managing care of loved ones at home. Others are overseeing school-age children who are attending classes remotely.
The UW’s COVID 19 Caregiver Taskforce created a survey to provide insight to better understand the diverse needs of faculty and staff who have caregiving responsibilities. The results will help the University develop recommendations that will support a range of individual circumstances.
Remember that the University has instituted a number of COVID-19 related leaves for faculty and salaried staff who need time-off related to personal illness or for eldercare and childcare. These include expanded Shared Leave (currently set to expire 9/1/2020) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) and Expanded Family Medical Leave (EFMLA)—both set to expire 12/31/2020.
More information can be found on the School of Social Work COVID-19 Information page. The SSWHR bi-weekly updates also have further information.
With the recent announcement that Seattle Public Schools (and other area school districts) will conduct classes remotely for at least part of the autumn quarter, some faculty and staff face challenges of how to telework effectively while overseeing school-age children at home. We are developing a survey on this topic which will go out soon. When you receive it, please respond quickly and thoroughly so we have a more complete picture of your concerns and we can better address your needs.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to assess the landscape to respond to your needs and make sure we all stay safe and healthy. Please contact Vicki Anderson-Ellis at vaellis@uw.edu if you have any questions.
Read more about the autumn quarter safety and health guidelines and our upcoming Back-to-School plan.