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Attendance Policy
In case of Excessive Heat in Unairconditioned Buildings
Introduction:
There are several College administrative buildings or portions of buildings on campus that are not air-conditioned. During the summer months, there are occasions when the temperature in these buildings rises to a point where employees find it difficult to work effectively.
State Policy:
Under state policy, employee absences resulting from severe weather conditions, including "directed absences," must be charged to personal, overtime, holiday or vacation accruals, even under circumstances requiring the cancellation of classes or the closing of the College. (See Human Resources website, Extraordinary Weather Conditions)
Options available to employees:
Comfort levels related to the temperature in an office setting are often times a very subjective thing. Several options are available to employees and their supervisors who make the determination that occupying an office in excessive heat is detrimental to an employee's health or is just not conducive to effectively performing administrative tasks.
All of the options below require written supervisory approval:
- Use of sick leave
In such cases where the employee believes that excessive heat is exacerbating a medical condition, that employee may use accrued sick leave to cover his/her absence. Medical documentation may be required per the union contract. - Use of other accrued leave
In cases where employees find the level of heat in offices to be beyond an acceptable level of comfort, the employee may use vacation or other accrued leave, except for sick leave, to cover his/her absences. - Request an alternative worksite
Employees may contact the Office of Human Resources. HR will work with the employee and supervisor to attempt to find a temporary worksite on campus that will accommodate the employee's needs. - Offsite worksite
An offsite worksite may be established in the case where the employee may effectively work at that site, i.e., has access to appropriate computer and other files and is not responsible for direct customer service. - Adjusted work schedules
Employees may start earlier in the day and leave earlier in the day if responsibilities can be met and office service levels are maintained.
Policy Issued 04/04 - Office of Human Resources
