Due to the unusual circumstances prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, UF has expanded the definition of essential employees to include anyone who may be required to report to work, be “on call” to report to work and/or be available to work remotely. In the past, the “essential” designation was narrowly focused on a short-term emergency closing during which normal business operations were halted for two to three days.
In the scenario we face now, the university is open for business, and “essential” is expanded to ensure business continuity and to provide as-needed access to campus for those employees working remotely. Importantly, please note that while you may be designated “non-essential,” you may still continue to work remotely if you are able to.

Essential v. non-essential employees

Here’s a quick breakdown to help understand these new designations.

On-Campus Essential—Those working on campus
(Examples include: Assistant Director for University Housing, Plumber, Physician)

• Continuation of critical and/or essential services that must be completed on-site
• Maintaining integrity of infrastructure, property or systems on-site
• Necessary on-campus work to maintain the safety and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff

Remote Essential — Those working from a remote location who may need periodic access to campus
(Examples include: Faculty, Payroll Coordinator, IT Professional, Academic Advisor)

• Work is required to maintain operations and business continuity of the University and can be completed remotely
• Access to campus may be needed periodically to complete required work

Remote Non-essential — Those working from a remote location, does not need access to campus
(Examples include: Marketing Specialist, Administrative Specialist, Fiscal Assistant)

• Work is important to the university and may be completed remotely, but is not essential to maintain operations and business continuity

Posted: March 25, 2020
Category: Covid-19 Updates
Tagged as: Covid-19