Campus Entry Resources for UAB Employees
Explore resources from UAB Human Resources below designed to help UAB employees and their families through the emerging and ongoing public health issues surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Visit uab.edu/uabunited for the latest COVID-19 updates from UAB.
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Vaccination | UAB United | Resources for Managers
To comply with multiple federal mandates announced in 2021, UAB and UAB Medicine implemented employee COVID-19 vaccination requirements. However, in late 2021, injunctions were placed on each mandate, and UAB and UAB Medicine temporarily paused requirements. At this time, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirement for healthcare workers is the only one to be reinstated. This is where each mandate stands (as of January 26, 2022):
CMS Requirement for Healthcare Workers (active):
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the CMS requirement for healthcare workers, so UAB Medicine reinstated its requirement for certain UAB Medicine employees (first shot or apply for exemption by February 14 and, if receiving Moderna or Pfizer, second shot or approved exemption by March 15).Mandate for Large Employers (withdrawn):
The “vaccine or test” mandate for large employers has been withdrawn by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.Mandate for Employees of Federal Contractors (paused/enjoined):
A federal court issued a nationwide order to suspend the vaccine mandate for employees of federal contractors. If the injunctions are lifted, UAB must be ready to comply with federal requirements. If you are an employee (including student employees) who does not already have a COVID-19 vaccine record or an approved vaccine exemption on file with UAB, please consider taking the following steps as a voluntary measure, especially those that were vaccinated off-site (for example, by your private physician, at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) hospital, or at the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital):- Upload your documentation:
- Employees may submit proof of vaccination to Employee Health.
- Student employees may submit proof of vaccination to your Student Health Patient Portal.
- Request an Exemption:
- Employees who wish to have an exemption on record with Employee Health are encouraged to request a medical, disability or religious exemption.
- Student employees who wish to have an exemption on record with Student Health are encouraged to request a medical, disability or religious exemption.
Taking these voluntary steps now will help ensure (1) medical, disability or religious exemption requests by our employees are processed in a timely manner, and (2) UAB can achieve compliance if the injunctions are lifted. It also provides UAB’s public health and infectious disease experts important data to guide future decisions about on-campus safety strategies.
For more information, visit uab.edu/uabunited.
Additional Information
- Schedule a Vaccination Appointment
- Employee Vaccine Requirement FAQs
- Why Should I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine? (PDF): Key data about our best tool for safely getting back to normal.
As UAB continues to navigate the post-pandemic return to campus, employees can find the latest updates and resources designed to preserve the health of our university community and Birmingham at uab.edu/uabunited.
- Do I need to be tested for COVID-19? Check this flowchart.
- Summer and Fall Reentry Plan for Faculty & Staff
- Personal Safety Practices
Campus Entry Resources for Managers- Five Tips for a Successful Return to Campus: Here are the essentials to keep people safe, understand resources, and live the UAB Shared Values and put empathy into action.
- Entry Guidance for Leaders, Workgroups A & F: General guidance for supervisors as employees begin to transition back to full-time work on campus.
- Guidelines for Employees with COVID Symptoms or Exposures
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Alternate Work Options Program | L&D Virtual Workshops | LinkedIn Learning | Online Resources
Alternate Work Options Program
Alternate Work Options Pilot Program
In September 2021, UAB launched the Alternate Work Options Pilot Program in order to explore possible long-term remote/hybrid work arrangements and the structure, policies and best practices to manage it. The initial phases of the pilot program are open to eligible staff in participating central administrative units, schools and colleges.
For an overview of processes and procedures for remote, flexible, and hybrid work, as well as Learning and Development training for managers and employees, visit the Alternate Work Options Program webpage.
Self Care In Times of UncertaintyUAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center Virtual Programs
- Self-Care Studio: A collaboration between the UAB EACC and UAB Arts in Medicine that offers space for enhancing your creativity and focusing on personal wellness. Sessions offered the first and third Tuesday of the month. Visit go.uab.edu/EACC-Calendar to register for upcoming sessions.
- Gentle Chair Yoga: A monthly virtual session with EACC certified yoga instructor Ashley Clarke. No yoga experience is necessary. Visit go.uab.edu/EACC-Calendar to register for upcoming sessions.
LinkedIn Learning- Working Remotely — Handling the Challenges: A UAB curated set of five short videos on handling the challenges of working remotely.
- Practicing Self Care, from Advice for Leaders during a Crisis course
- How to Beat Workplace Loneliness
- Self-care and Work/Life Balance, from Administrative Professional Tips course
Other Resources- How to practice self-care in times of uncertainty, from My Southern Help
- Practicing Self-Care in Uncertain Times, from the New York Times
Learning & Development Virtual Workshops
To support our new and rapidly changing reality, Learning and Development has postponed all in-person workshop and replaced them with a full schedule of online learning programs and events to support employees. Visit the L&D Learning Calendar to view all upcoming events.
Programs are organized in three areas to give you opportunities to connect with others, share challenges and ideas, take advantage of learning during times of unprecedented change...
- The Resilient Self: Programs and resources to help people manage new realities and provide ideas and tools to maintain productivity, leverage strengths, improving communication and balance work and life.
- The Resilient Team: Programs to help teams connected and engaged and work effectively under stress.
- The Resilient Leader: The Resilient Leader Virtual Series is designed to give leaders an opportunity to reflect and get revitalized by spending time with colleagues in an interactive session. Each session will have a new topic relevant for right now and plenty of time for discussion. Start your day by learning with other leaders, get ideas, inspiration and guidance as we navigate uncharted waters together.
Explore recommended LinkedIn Learning courses on a variety of topics related to successfully managing change and working remotely. Membership to LinkedIn Learning is free to all benefit-eligible UAB employees.
Staying in Touch
- Communicating within Teams
- Communicating via email (3m 57s)
- Working Remotely
- Staying in touch (3m 19s)
- Using technology to build connections (3m 25s)
- How to prevent feeling isolated (3m 27s)
- Building rapport with remote colleagues (3m 26s)
Managing Stress
- Seven ways to eliminate stress (9m 19s)
- Managing stress and avoiding burnout (1m 52s)
- Managing Stress
- Learn to manage stress (57s)
- The impact of stress (3m 15s)
- Identifying triggers (2m 41s)
- Managing your time (3m 26s)
- Making positive personal choices (3m 11s)
- Managing Stress for Positive Change
- Defining stress (3m 14s)
- Your brain on stress (4m 25s)
- The problem with stress (3m 17s)
- Stressing as a blessing (2m 59s)
- The stress mastery formula (2m 38s)
- Reactions vs. responses (3m 6s)
- A quick stress audit (3m 43s)
Overwhelmed?
- How to Manage Feeling Overwhelmed
- An overview of overwhelm (1m 56s)
- Coming to your senses to disrupt stress (3m 47s)
- Cultivating flow with positive emotions (4m 17s)
- Focus on a new perspective (3m 35s)
- Take imperfect action to boost focus (3m 48s)
- Using strategic distractions (3m 4s)
- Getting to the core of your overwhelm (3m 39s)
- Recognizing stress sensitivity (4m 10s)
- Ending overwhelm for good (4m 59s)
Resiliency & Productivity
- Building Resilience (34m 25s)
- Managing Virtual Teams (56m 14s)
- Time Management: Working from Home (1hr 25m)
- Cultivating Mental Agility (37m 12s)
- Being an Effective Team Member (31m 42s)
- Finding Your Productive Mindset (59m 33s)
- Leading at a Distance (36m 50s)
- Developing Resourcefulness (18m 2s)
- UAB News: Four ways to save energy and money while working from home
- Learning & Development Newsletter
- 8 Effective Tips for Working Remotely (PDF)
- 8 Tips for Managing Remote Teams (PDF)
- Working Remotely During COVID-19: Your Mental Health & Wellbeing (PDF): Practical tips for finding new ways to work and interact while taking care of our mental health and wellbeing.
- Harvard Business Review (COVID-19 coverage is available free to the public)
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Fitness at Home | Healthy Eating | Preventative Steps
Find wellness resources below to help keep you and your family healthy at home. For more, join My Health Rewards or visit UAB Employee Wellness online.
- Deskercise: 20 ways to get moving while you work (PDF)
- Physical Activity Breaks Resource Guide (PDF): Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- Virtual Yoga: UAB EACC Gentle Yoga instructor's virtual yoga channel
- UAB News: How to stay healthy while working out during the coronavirus pandemic
Employee Wellness Recipe Hub
Explore UAB Employee Wellness's online collection of recipes and healthy information.
Farm Stand at UAB Produce BoxCheck out available produce from the UAB Farm Stand by visiting Boozer Farms online. Order a weekly regional produce box in the spring and summer featuring a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from Boozer Farms, and select a pickup location that is convenient for you.
Healthy Pantry Items- Keeping Pasta Meals Healthy
- 7 Ways to Add Beans to Your Diet
- Applesauce Waffles (when you're out of milk and eggs)
- 50 Things to Make with Oats
UAB Infographics
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Mental Health Screens | EACC Virtual Programs | Online Resources | Apps
Explore mental health services, self-care tips and more to help you through this rapidly evolving public health emergency. For more resources, visit the UAB Employee Assistance & Counceling Center online.
Online mental health screenings are a fast, free and confidential way to check for signs of mental health issues. Check out some of the available online screens below.
Please note — online screens are not a substitute for consultation with a health professional. Regardless of the results of a screen, if you have any concerns, see your doctor, counselor or other mental health professional.- UAB Medicine Wellbeing Index: This online self assessment tool allows users to measure burnout, assess valuable resources and compare their scores to peers, as well as track progress overtime to promote self awareness.
- Mental Health America: MHA offers free, confidential and anonymous mental health tests for depression, anxiety, work health, addiction and more — plus guidance for those unsure of which test they should take.
- Additional Online Screening: See EACC's list of available mental health screens focused on burnout, depression, eating disorders, PTSD and veterans issues, and more.
The UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center is offering a variety of online programs and events to support you in achieving successful work-life integration during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and social distancing. Visit the EACC Events Calendar to view all upcoming events.
EACC programs are free and open to all UAB employees and members of their immediate household.
- Coping Conversations: Maintaining self-care practices and enhancing positive wellbeing during challenging times can be difficult. Check the EACC Events Calendar for upcoming sessions.
- Self Care Studio: A collaboration between the UAB EACC and UAB Arts in Medicine that offers employees a space to enhance creativity and focus on personal wellness. Meets via Zoom the first and third Tuesday of the month, noon-1 p.m. Check the EACC Events Calendar for upcoming sessions.
- Virtual Yoga: UAB EACC Gentle Yoga instructor's release twice weekly sessions on her virtual yoga channel.
- Financial Wellness Services: Through the UAB Financial Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center provides personalized counseling and various resources designed to help employees cope with financial stressors.
- Code Blaze: Provides quick access to an extensive catalog of community and online resources for successful work/life integration.
- Mental Health First Aid: In this 8-hour course participants will learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Check the EACC Events Calendar for upcoming sessions.
- Stress Management Resources: Explore the EACC's line-up of stress management resources including a variety of classes, support services, digital tools and more.
- EACC Handouts
- Resources & Referrals for use during UAB Limited Business Model: A list of mental health services and resources you may access during limited business operations
- Mental Health Tips for Managing Coronavirus Concerns: Symptoms of distress, self-care strategies and more
- Stay Calm & Reduce Fear during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What you need to know about COVID-19 and mental health, and how to keep yourself calm during the outbreak
- How to Support Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tips for UAB managers and supervisors on helping employees during this time
- Wellness at Home: What you can do to stay mentally and physically well (yes, they are connected!)
- How to maintain social connections while being physically distant: Internal and external strategies plus apps to help maintain social connections
- 10 Tips to Manage Re-Entry Anxiety Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: From the Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- LinkedIn Learning: Happiness Tips: Get a new happiness tip to help you live a happier life. This course provides practical, actionable techniques for finding more time for the things you love and maximizing your day-to-day happiness.
- Coping with Stress during the 2019-nCoV Outbreak: Stress management strategies from the World Health Organization
- Creating a Healthy Mindset during a Pandemic: By practicing balanced and accurate ways of thinking, we can create more healthy thoughts and calm our emotional reactions.
- Working Remotely During COVID-19: Your Mental Health & Wellbeing: Practical tips for finding new ways to work and interact while taking care of our mental health and wellbeing.
- Managing Healthcare Workers’ Stress Associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Guide to Mental Health Resources for Healthcare Providers
- Caring for Yourself and Others During the Covid-19 Outbreak: Managing Healthcare Workers' Stress (VIDEO)
- Coping Through The Coronavirus from TAO provides concrete ways to manage the anxiety and uncertainty that we are all facing. (VIDEO)
UABwell
The UABwell app collects UAB services, information and resources about mental health in one central location. The app features separate profiles for students and employees with information geared just for them, including calendar items and services. Visit uab.edu/app/uabwell.myStrength
EACC has partnered with myStrength to provide free and confidential access to web and mobile e-learning tools on topics such as stress management, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, parenting, substance use concerns, trauma and more. Visit myStrength for UAB online.
Apps for Mental Health
Breath2Relax — guided breathing exercises
Android | iPhone
Headspace — personal meditation guide
Android | iPhone
Daylio Journal — mood tracker and private journal
Android | iPhone
Mood Tools — tools to deal with depression developed by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Android | iPhone
Fear Tools — tools to deal with anxiety developed by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Android | iPhone
Remente — goal setting and self-improvement
Android | iPhone
WoeBot — self-care app using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Android | iPhone
Wysa — mood tracker, mindfulness exercises, mental health assessment, powered by AI
Android | iPhone
Youper — emotional health assistant, powered by AI
Android | iPhone
Ten Percent Happier — features free coronavirus Sanity Guide, guided meditations for coronavirus Responders, along with a podcast, talks and newsletter on how to handle coronavirus anxiety. Healthcare workers not currently subscribed to Ten Percent Happier receive free access by emailing care@tenpercent.com for instructions.
Android | iPhone -
With childcare in high demand, HR has identified resources for employees who are working onsite and experiencing the need for immediate childcare due to school and childcare center closures. This space will be updated as new resources become available.
Visit the Resources for Employees with Childcare Needs page for information to help you get started in your search for childcare options.
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Resources for Caregivers | Eldercare Resources
ADHR Childcare Subsidy for Low and Moderate-Income Families
The Office of Child Care Subsidy administers the subsidized child care program funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).The mission of the program is to provide Alabama’s low and moderate-income families with equal access to affordable and quality child care services as they participate in work, educational or training activities. Currently, the Department administers the program regionally through three (3) Child Care Management Agencies (CMA’s) in nine (9) regions. For a link to the referral form or for more information, visit Alabama DHR online.
Online Resources- Covid-ready Communication Skills: A playbook of VitalTalk tips
- Coronavirus Videos for Healthcare Workers:
- Managing Healthcare Workers’ Stress Associated with the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Guide to Mental Health Resources for Healthcare Providers
- Coronavirus and Mental Health: Taking Care of Ourselves During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- Caring for Yourself and Others During the Covid-19 Outbreak: Managing Healthcare Workers' Stress (VIDEO)
COVID-19 Resources for Older AdultsGovernment Information
- Coronavirus.gov: Get the facts about Coronavirus and take steps to care for yourself and help protect others in your home and community. Here you can also review resources for daily activities and staying safe when you go out.
- Medicare: The source for your Medicare questions about COVID19. This site has resources on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus, coping with stress, medicare related needs, and how to stay safe as our states reopen.
Benefits and Services
- Benefits Checkup (National Council on Aging): Here you can search your benefit programs to get relevant program information about benefits available in your state. Search for information on medication, healthcare, income assistance, transportation, and many more.
Caregiving
- Family Caregiver Alliance: The Family Caregiver Alliance is committed to supporting caregivers through the evolving situation associated with the Coronavirus. During this time of heightened awareness about public health and reducing risk of exposure for ourselves and those we care for, it is very important to gather updated information from trusted sources.
Finances
- Protect yourself financially from the impact of the Coronavirus: Protect yourself financially from the impact of the Coronavirus and review information on how to bills and other financial obligations, what to do if you experience loss of income, how to get more help with your money issues.
- COVID-19 Fraud: Financial scams related to the Coronavirus are becoming more prevalent. Use these resources to protect yourself from COVID19 scams and related Medicare fraud.
Mental Health & Social Isolation
- How to stay connected while intentionally isolated: The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness is monitoring the situation closely and has put together a compilation of resources on the physical, behavioral, and mental health effects of physical distancing and how to stay connected with others.
Veterans
- Department of Veterans Affairs — Public Health: The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans, their families, health care providers, and staff in the face of this emerging health risk. The VA is working directly with the CDC and other federal partners to monitor the outbreak of the virus.