Message from the Deputy Secretary: Temporary COVID-19 Administrative Leave Benefit

The Secretary recognizes that one of the many societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the sustained need to provide caregiving for the individual and his/her dependents, and he has asked us to see what flexibilities we have to assist staff. At his request, SI leadership carefully analyzed and considered a number of options to provide additional time for staff to deal with the impact of COVID-19.

As a result, the Secretary has authorized a temporary benefit, effective April 26, 2021, of up to eight (8) hours or 1 workday¹ of administrative leave per pay period to help employees manage dependent care and/or who are unable to work due to complications from COVID-19. This temporary benefit is intended to aid employees in managing dependent care responsibilities and illness due to COVID-19 or any side effects due to COVID-19 vaccinations. This benefit will expire on September 30, 2021.

Offering up to eight (8) hours or one (1) workday of administrative leave per pay period will balance our capacity to absorb the financial and operational costs while providing the staff an opportunity to better manage the impact of COVID-19 in their lives. This will also allow us to apply the leave authority outlined in this letter consistently and equitably across the multiple specialties of the Smithsonian.

All SI employees (Federal and Trust) are eligible to use this benefit; regardless of telework eligibility, for up to 8 hours, or one (1) workday, of administrative leave per pay period for:

1. Caring for a child (under the age of 18) whose school or place of care is closed for full-time, in-person instruction or care (or childcare provider is unavailable) for pandemic related reasons; or

• Caring for an individual (e.g., adult child with special needs or elderly parent) for pandemic related reasons; or

• An employee who becomes ill due to COVID-19 and including any side effects that may affect the ability to do daily activities due to a COVID-19 vaccination.

Part time employees may be granted 4 hours of administrative leave. In all cases administrative leave will be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay.

Please know that we continue to offer existing workplace flexibilities to include: the use of annual leave, advanced leave, and restored leave. Additionally, the leadership of Smithsonian remains committed to supporting employees to the greatest extent possible.

The Office of Human Resources has issued additional guidance regarding timekeeping including frequently asked questions which are available here and in the Leave FAQs on the OHR COVID page.

Sincerely,

Meroë Park
Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer

[1] Employees on a compressed work schedule must work or use leave for number of hours needed to complete their tour of duty for one workday up to a maximum of 10 hrs.

EN ESPAÑOL

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