COVID-19 Team Update: Leave Options and Workplace Flexibilities

As we enter the new calendar year, we want to alert you to a change in Smithsonian’s leave guidance. The Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) option, made possible through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, has expired as of December 31, 2020. This means that traditional leave options, such as sick and annual leave, and workplace flexibilities must now be utilized for most COVID-related absences. These include if an employee becomes ill with COVID-19, must care for someone who is sick with the virus, or needs to care for children unable to attend school or daycare.

To help you navigate Smithsonian’s current leave categories and how they relate to COVID-19, we have updated this chart. The document provides details on various situations such as quarantining, caring for someone who is sick, or being sick yourself, and what type of leave applies based on the type of employee you are, from essential on-site staff to teleworking employees. Please familiarize yourselves with this guidance. By planning ahead, you will lessen some of the stress should you or someone in your household become ill or require care.

While honoring your responsibilities to your job, you may also be juggling extra commitments at home. The Smithsonian is committed to ensuring workplace flexibilities are available as widely as possible for teleworking and on-site staff. Among those available are Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) detailed in this information packet. In the coming weeks, OHR will launch a new training module that outlines the flexibilities available, including some options that have previously been underutilized at the Smithsonian. The training will include examples at the individual and office level, highlighting how teams can be flexible while still meeting their staffing requirements.

Work with your supervisor to explore options, seek guidance, and request flexibilities that may make it easier to complete your work tasks in a way that allows you to meet more of the demands of online schooling and caregiving. As a reminder, you are permitted to telework (if telework eligible) while caring for children at home.

The latest information on leave and workplaces flexibilities will continue to be posted on the Human Resources section of the COVID-19 website. Your supervisor and Human Resources Liaison can assist you with understanding the details of the various leave and other options, identifying the best solution based on your individual needs and circumstances, and navigating any approval processes that might be necessary.

Stay safe and be well,

The COVID-19 Response Team
si-coronavirusinfo@si.edu

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