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1. Purpose and Applicability

   The purpose of this policy is to encourage all ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ (ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ) staff on regular and contingent status and faculty employees to participate in wellness programs offered by ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ and other state agencies, which may vary by location, in order to improve health and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nonexempt staff employees who are included in the representation of the collective bargaining unit are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and applicable ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ HR Policies; where there is a conflict between the two, the MOU will prevail.

2. Definitions

   Release Time: An approved absence from duty during the workday without loss of pay for the purpose of attending an employer-approved wellness program or activity. Release Time does not apply to contingent I employees.

3. Wellness Programs and Activities

   ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ shall maintain a wellness program for employees.  To the extent that such resources are available at ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ (whether at a ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ owned facility or at a commercial or military location), ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ employees shall have access to:

   1. Recreation and fitness facilities;
   2. Wellness and benefits fairs and activities;
   3. Wellness information on ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ’s websites, employee newsletters and other sources;
   4. Retirement and other financial wellness planning workshops and other informational resources; and
   5. Employee assistance services, including but not limited to counseling, work-life referral services, and access to mental health counselors.  Services may be provided through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

4. Release Time for Wellness Activities

   ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ shall provide a reasonable amount of release time for employees to participate in specified wellness activities and events taking place at ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ, operation/s permitting and with the permission of the employee’s supervisor as set forth in the applicable procedures.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES:

The ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ President has designated the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to administer this policy; to develop procedures as necessary to implement this policy; to communicate this policy to the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ website.

Replacement for:

USM BOR VII-3.00 – Policy on Wellness Programs

See all Human Resources Policies and Procedures