HR Updates and Reminders

Office of Human Resources (HR) welcomes all employees back for the Spring 2021 semester and writes to share several important updates and reminders. We continue to be thankful for all of your work and perseverance during this unpredictable time.

When possible, we hope to bring back popular social activities such as Mets employee nights, ice cream socials, and popcorn parties. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about the programs and services being offered, including our monthly virtual raffle in collaboration with Teachers Federal Credit Union.

VALUES AND INCLUSION PROGRAM (VIP)
While we were able to complete the 2020 VIP cycle, we were unable to formally announce and recognize our nominees due to the pandemic. Therefore, the overdue recognition of all employees nominated as VIPs in 2020 will take place this spring, in addition to a 2021 nomination cycle. Separate communications will follow shortly.

LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES
We are happy to announce that we recently launched a LGBTQIA+ Resources for Employees webpage on the St. John’s University website. The information provided includes resources and links to policies, an all-gender campus restroom map, relevant University news, and more. We encourage everyone to check out the new page and related resources.

EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS
As we announced in the fall, we are currently accepting Employee Resource Group (ERG) applications. Employees who are interested in starting and leading an ERG at St. John’s are encouraged to submit a proposal. Learn more by clicking on the ERG icon within the Employee Information tab on St. John’s Connect or by emailing [email protected].

COVID-19 POLICY CHANGES AND REMINDERS
As a reminder, Human Resources maintains a policy manual for employees that is updated throughout the year. We encourage you to review the list of recently revised policies under the “Recent Policy Updates” section of the Human Resources Policy Manual using the link below.  In particular, we encourage you to review our pandemic-related policy changes. 

• Human Resources Policy Manual
• Social Distancing and Hygiene Guidelines
• Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave for COVID-19

We are aware that the pandemic triggered an increase in acts of bias and discrimination against individuals of Asian descent. There is never a time when acts of hate, bias, or discrimination based upon race, ethnicity, or other social identity are condoned by St. John’s. If you have experienced bias or discrimination, whether COVID-19 related or otherwise, please complete the online bias reporting form available at www.stjohns.edu/reportbias. 

While we look forward to coming together as a community once more, please be respectful of every individual’s right to privacy when it comes to their medical status. It is important to refrain from asking employees and colleagues whether they have contracted COVID-19 and/or if they have received or plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
 
We remind you to follow social distancing guidelines and your department-specific practices. If you observe a violation of our Social Distancing and Hygiene Guidelines, please submit the Social Distancing Violation Reporting form so that we can follow up and determine appropriate next steps.

NEW VOLUNTARY BENEFITS AND DISCOUNT PROGRAM
As announced last month, we encourage employees to visit our new Benefithub, a benefits reward portal that offers employees the widest variety of discounted leisure, health, and financial benefits—personalized to the individual. There are hundreds of benefits that may help with your everyday lives. The portal also offers voluntary benefit plans that are designed to provide the best deal for the coverage you need. To start saving, go to https://stjohnsu.benefithub.com and use referral code G82LC4.

EMPLOYEE RAFFLE
As mentioned above, we are collaborating with University athletic partner Teachers Federal Credit Union to host monthly employee raffle drawings. Each month, from January through June, employees have multiple chances to win prize packs that may include gift cards from such popular shopping destinations as Amazon, Target, Grubhub, and Dunkin’, as well as St. John’s merchandise and surprises. Four winners are drawn at the end of each month and announced and recognized at the start of each new raffle period. Enter now with your name and email for a chance to win.

More information on past and current employee engagement events, including the raffle, can always be found on the Human Resources Employee Engagement webpage. Thank you, again, for all you continue to do for one another and for St. John’s. We encourage you to reach out with any Human Resources-related questions by contacting us as indicated below.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

HR General Phone: 718-990-1865 / HR General Fax: 718-990-5887
Press 1: Payroll Office
Press 2: Employee Benefits
Press 3: Student Employment Office
Press 4: To speak to someone regarding discrimination or sexual harassment
Press 5: Office of Training and Development
Press 6: Recruitment Office
Press 7: All other general HR-related questions

For Employment Verifications, fax your request to 718-990-5887.
Benefits Hotline: 718-990-2363 or email [email protected]