Due to COVID-19, many school districts have announced remote or hybrid learning models in the fall. We know this will have a significant impact on many Cooper team members. Please use this document as a resource to assist you in adjusting to the changes in schooling for your children.
Please discuss your individual situation with your supervisor to understand what flexible work options may be available to you. Operational business units will determine which flexible arrangements will be offered based on the needs of the department. Some examples are noted below:
- Flexible hours: Can working hours be adjusted?
- Schedule changes: Shifting days of the week, etc.
- Temporary status changes: Full time to part time or per diem.
- Remote work/telecommute: Updated policy coming soon.
- Other creative solutions based on operational needs.
Leaves of Absence:
- Personal leaves of absence – up to 30 days.
- If unable to return after 30 days, voluntary resignation with eligibility to be rehired.
Support Resources:
- Carebridge: Employee assistance program for Cooper employees.
- Bright Horizons: Additional family support program – New! Effective 8/24/2020 – details coming soon.
- Check with your neighborhood Facebook page, there is a great deal of local information available.
- Check with local YMCAs – new programs are under development.
For a list of helpful remote learning resources click here and for FAQs see below.
FAQs
- Will Cooper be able to provide any support to employees who have children who will be home and having school online?
Yes. We are starting by providing the above resource guide of online education services. We are also entering into a new agreement with Bright Horizons to provide additional family support and guidance. Some of the services offered include nanny placement services, child care (Eenrollment priority and discounts), tutoring and coursework oversight, and family care/services search tools. - Will Cooper offer any flexible options for employees?
Yes, as noted above, there are a number of ways we will be offering employees some flexibility. We strongly recommend that you speak with your supervisor regarding the operational needs of your department and what flexibility can be offered. - Will Cooper pay for remote learning services?
No, but Cooper is providing a resource guide to support colleagues as they make their individual family plans. - Will Cooper supplement employee salaries if they need reduced work hours?
No. Employees may use available PTO, as necessary (and approved). - Can Cooper employees reduce their hours to be home for remote learning and collect unemployment?
The Department of Labor will not pay unemployment benefits if there is work available and the employee chooses to stay home. - Can Cooper employees work remotely (from home)?
There are some jobs that can be performed remotely. It is up to each SVP to determine whether work within their chain-of-command can and should be done remotely. - Is there money in the federal CARES legislation to pay for all of this?
Unfortunately, no.