Professional News

UK Employees Working Remotely Encouraged to Stay Connected, Remember Self Well-being

photo of woman sitting at table at home with laptop and cell phone

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 20, 2020) As University of Kentucky employees join workers around the world right now in responding to COVID-19, many people are transitioning to working remotely temporarily.  Because of that, UK Human Resources is sharing advice with employees and supervisors to work through that transition.

In many situations, employees can do their regular work from home with the necessary technology and communications.  Determine what those are and how employees can access tech support.  If it’s not that simple for some employees, supervisors are asked to think creatively about the work that needs to get done.  If employees cannot perform their regular duties, they could help with other projects that have been on the back burner or be trained to execute other duties for the time being.

It is helpful for employees to stay in contact with their supervisors and co-workers if possible.  Maintain team meetings when possible and create a standard mode of communication for the team.

Employee well-being is always important — now more than ever with both the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak and the workplace disruption. UKHR recommends promoting a positive attitude toward the working situation and suggests accessing the state's COVID-19 website for tips on reducing anxiety.

Everyone is encouraged to care for their own well-being.  Employees can use phone calls and video chats to increase interpersonal interaction, and they should unplug when their work is done and focus on their self and family care.

UK Work+Life Connections counselors are also available for free, confidential appointments by phone or Zoom.

Amy Rodquist-Kodet, an HR Health and Wellness health coach who works remotely full time, has some tips to reduce feelings of isolation. Read Amy's tips >

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.