![Art for COVID Pay story](/-/media/images/caregiver-news/stories/2021-05/art-for-covid-pay-story.jpg?la=en&h=504&w=896&mw=896&hash=A4DFAEC64295EC50AA27EC01645B8DADA9675E86)
Intermountain implemented temporary policies last year to support caregivers impacted by COVID-19, including COVID leave of absence, COVID pay, negative PTO, and COVID PTO donations. We’ve seen a steady decrease in the number of COVID-related requests from caregivers as vaccinations increase and case counts decrease. All temporary HR policies related to COVID-19 will end on June 30.
What does this mean?
- Any pending or approved COVID-19 requests received prior to June 30 will be supported under the current COVID-19 guidelines until the allotted time or resource expires.
- New COVID-related requests that would have been covered by one of these policies won’t be processed after June 30.
- Any COVID-related leave requests received after June 30 will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for another Intermountain leave, such as FMLA, Non-FMLA, ADA, etc. You’ll also continue to have access to the existing PTO donation program and Caregiver Assistance Fund. You can visit our Leaves of Absence page or contact Ask HR to learn about your options at askhr@imail.org or 801-442-7547.
- Ending these policies doesn’t impact COVID-19 specific roles like screeners or greeters.
- If you have any questions about the change, please speak with your leader or contact Ask HR.
Intermountain’s preparedness for times of crisis, like solid finances, allowed us to support caregivers during the pandemic. To date:
- 21,497 COVID leaves of absence have been processed, which offered caregivers time off and up to four weeks of COVID pay. This protected caregivers’ pay, job, and benefits if they were ill with]
- COVID-19 or related symptoms or had a vaccine reaction, if they had to take care of a family member with COVID-19, or had childcare issues related to COVID-19.]
- 22,778 hours of PTO were donated specifically for COVID-19, totaling almost $600,000 in payments to caregivers.
- 500 caregivers were able to take their PTO balance into the negative when needed.
“We’re grateful we were able to provide this support for our caregivers during the pandemic,” says Heather Brace, chief people officer. “And even as these policies end, we’re still here to support you in any way we can.”