Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to address the unprecedented challenges all of us are facing in our personal and professional lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to announce that we have revised guidance on the use of paid Administrative Leave.
The guidance, provided here, outlines the scenarios under which paid Administrative Leave and accrued leave can be used by Lab employees. It was developed in partnership with emerging guidance from DOE, the Bay Area Site Office, and the University of California. Your supervisor will use this guidance to ensure your work arrangements and leave requests are in accordance with Berkeley Lab policy.
When reviewing the guidance, please note that our top priority is the health, safety, and welfare of our staff and community. At the same time, we want to provide a path to work for all employees, to the extent possible, and we need to minimize impacts to the Lab’s mission due to COVID-19-related circumstances.
Please continue to work with your supervisor to identify opportunities to telework, and discuss ways to balance work and personal responsibilities, such as child care and/or elder care. Through creativity and flexibility, the vast majority of our staff should continue to contribute to the Lab’s mission.
However, if on-site work or telework is not possible for an employee, Administrative Leave may be appropriate, for time charged beginning March 17 and provided it is consistent with the Administrative Leave guidance linked below and approved by your supervisor.
It is important to note that Administrative Leave is a finite resource. At this time, up to 16 days (or the equivalent of 128 hours) of Administrative Leave is authorized to each Berkeley Lab employee who is prevented from working due to COVID-19 related circumstances.
Please follow the revised guidance, including discussing Administrative Leave with your supervisor, as you submit your timecards for time charged beginning March 17. Note that the LETS monthly timecard sweep is at noon this Thursday, March 26.
Go here to read the paid Administrative Leave guidance.
These updated HR FAQs provide additional information about the proper use of Administrative Leave.
Thank you for your dedication to the Lab’s mission and for your help in overcoming these circumstances. Most important, please keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.
Regards,
Michael