DePaul's leadership team is encouraging managers and employees to partner in the development of workable solutions for working parents. (DePaul University/Elizabeth Clements)
On Wednesday, Chicago Public Schools made the difficult decision to start the school year with a fully remote learning schedule. A majority of grade schools in the suburbs that surround DePaul's campuses have also recently announced that they will begin the school year with remote learning.
Since many of our employees are parents of school-aged children, DePaul realizes the significant impact this decision will have for our workforce. DePaul's leadership team is encouraging managers and employees to partner in the development of workable solutions—many of which will be temporary arrangements during this pandemic.
All managers are asked to exercise empathy and flexibility to ensure that employees can fulfill their parental and work obligations effectively. Specifically, managers should:
- Engage their employees whose work schedules will be affected by their children's changed school schedule. Discuss and determine reasonable modifications that can be made, which may include being flexible about when work gets done, or rebalancing workloads by separating essential tasks or projects from those that can be deferred.
- Be cognizant that a one-size solution will not fit all during this unprecedented time. Modifications will need to take into account differences that employees face depending on the age or school level of their children.
“Employees bring their whole selves to work. This pandemic and the surrounding circumstances make the separation between our work and personal lives practically impossible," says Stephanie Smith, vice president of Human Resources. “Weathering through this crisis effectively will require us all to embark on non-traditional practices and solutions."
Employees can also consider the use of vacation time, a reduced work schedule (in cases where some work may be done on a telework basis), or leave of absence options. It is encouraged, though, that these options be considered only after the employee and manager have fully explored options for flexible work arrangements.
Benefit-eligible employees can also take advantage of emergency caregiving needs through Bright Horizons. For details and how to register with Bright Horizons, visit the
Office of Human Resources website.
We thank you for all you have done and all that you are doing to Take Care DePaul.