Dear Colleagues,

In preparation for the possibility of increased remote work related to coronavirus COVID-19, we are providing the following workplace guidelines and resources. Please review them and contact your HR representative if you have questions or need clarification.

Preparing for Remote Work

• Employees who can work effectively from home should take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared for the possibility of remote work for an extended period. This may entail getting the necessary equipment, encrypted access to servers, and access to systems, including RingCentral and Zoom access for video calls if needed.

• Consideration for working from home applies to all staff, including hourly and union employees. Supervisors and managers should evaluate if the work can be performed effectively from home and should ensure adequate supervision and communication with staff. Employees are expected to be available for phone calls and responding to emails.

• Hourly employees are expected to record all hours worked accurately. Hours worked in excess of those scheduled per day, and per workweek requires the advance approval of the supervisor.

• Take this time to review current processes to determine if they should be adjusted to accommodate remote work circumstances.

• Review emergency contact information by signing in to myTC and selecting Personal Information > Update Emergency Contacts and to stay up-to-date on urgent information through text and voice messaging subscribe to the TC Alert/Emergency Notification system.

Workers at Higher Risk

• Employees who are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions should consult their physician about steps they can take to protect their health. If an employee is at risk for complications from COVID-19 and their physician recommends working from home, the employee should contact their supervisor and their HR representative to discuss a plan.

• For individuals with a higher risk for complications, please refer to the CDC's guidance.

Sick Employees

• To maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all, managers and supervisors (in consultation with their HR representative) should ask employees who are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness to go home and not return to work until they are free of symptoms for at least 24 hours. Those with concerns or questions about their illness should contact their primary care provider. Employees may use their paid sick leave time.

• In general, written medical clearance will not be required for return to work, except in very rare cases where abuse of paid sick/dependent care time is suspected.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Employees can contact the College’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for help with feelings of stress or anxiety about these events. Access the EAP for short-term confidential counseling at 1-855-789-5915 (24-hours/7 days a week) and register using company code: tceap.

Thank you,

Human Resources