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Speak up Be heard: Work life balance
Staff Appreciation
Submitted: March 14, 2024
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
Hello, this year's employee appreciation BBQ falls on March 28 and 24, which is during Ramadan. I was wondering if we could consider selecting a date outside of Ramadan so Muslim employees can also attend. I also ask if we can consider having vegan and vegetarian items so the event is more inclusive.
Resolution:
Thank you for your feedback. When selecting a date for the BBQ, many factors are considered, including religious holidays and observances. This process requires the coordination of many groups and individuals, as well as considering the availability of the venue. We apologize that this year's BBQ [April 2 for the Tempe and SkySong campuses] coincides with Ramadan. We will follow up with the groups and individuals responsible for planning these events to ensure they are especially careful and considerate when scheduling future dates.
Additionally, the Staff Council has ensured that vegan and vegetarian items are available at every BBQ.
Office Space
Submitted: January 12, 2024
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
Offices that use to house one person now have three. If a dept does not have space for employees then why don't they consider an additional work from home day. Creative furniture can't solve the lack of space in some offices.
Resolution:
Thank you for your feedback. College and department leadership are responsible for staff schedules and space management. The Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) policy provides leadership with options regarding work schedules, locations, and hybrid or full remote work arrangements. Attached is the policy for your review: SPP 306: Flexible Work Arrangement https://public.powerdms.com/ASU/documents/1560365 We encourage you to share your concerns with your supervisor, Department HR, or the Office of Human Resources Business Partner assigned to your unit . https://cfo.asu.edu/ohr-partners
Please Implement More University Holidays
Submitted: September 27, 2023
Last updated:
Status: Resolved
Comment or issue submitted:
I have worked in the non-profit, K-12, and other higher ed roles and ASU seems as though they are behind on implementing various holidays throughout the year. I recently worked for Maricopa Community College and the new president implemented 1 week of paid vacation for non-faculty staff for spring break as well as Juneteenth off for their 2023 calendar year on top of the 1 week of between Christmas and New Years. ASU really needs to implement at least the basic Federal holidays such as President's Day and Juneteenth and atleast the week off for the holidays at the end of the year. This will really help with employee morale and keep up with employers that are continually adding better PTO and vacation packages. I know you are able to request time off during that time, but other employers are giving that time to their staff. This leads to happier and re-charged staff throughout the year with less burnout and fatigue. Please bring this to senior leadership and the board so ASU can compete with other employers.
Resolution:
Thank you for your feedback. The university falls under the policy guidelines of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). The holiday leave benefits policy currently authorizes ASU to designate 10 paid holidays; that number has not been expanded since the federal government’s recognition of Juneteenth. Additionally, closing the University and providing paid time off beyond the current vacation accrual and accumulation schedule would not be in alignment with ABOR and ASU’s Vacation Leave policy. Employees have the option of requesting time off during holiday periods. Adding additional paid time off is not in alignment with ASU’s needs, budget, and support of our community. The discussion of adding an additional holiday is a complex process and has been brought to the leadership team's attention.