Denise Merricks, Benefits Manager AUI Benefits Programs Denise Merricks, Benefits Manager
Benefits Support Diverse Workforce Surveys. Medical plan provisions. Leave programs. Wellness programs. Employee Assistance Program. Professional Development & Tuition Assistance Conference Travel Support. AUI Scholarship. Recreation Associations
What Do Employees Value? General HR Climate Surveys. Hosted every other year. Survey opinions and perceptions on leadership, diversity, relationships, training etc. Benefits Surveys. Hosted at least every other year. What benefits are most valued? What could we add? Wellness. Women’s Climate Survey (2016)
Medical Plan High Deductible Plan introduced in 2013. Originally side by side with copay plan. Moved to sole plan in 2014. Deductibles and maximums on low side of scale. Provide Health Savings Account access. Employer contributions during first four plan years. Discontinued due to budget constraints. Premium schedule salary-tiered. Lower levels pay lower percentage of cost.
Covered Services - Medical Plan Family Planning services Birth control/well woman – covered at 100%. Infertility services – testing, diagnosis and artificial insemination are covered. Transgender services Counseling. Hormone therapy. Gender reassignment surgeries.
Leave time: Rest, Recharge, Care for Yourself and Others. Family sick leave. Up to 120 hours per year to care for immediate family members. Taken from personal sick leave balance. Parental leave 8 weeks of leave to bond with new child. Employees are eligible within 6 months of hire date. Not attached to Family Medical Leave. Vacation 16 hours per month for exempt staff. 8 hours per month for nonexempt – first year, then 16 hours. Doctor/Dentist Leave 32 hours per year for appointments – for self or family.
Wellness: One Size Doesn’t Fit All Health fairs and flu shots $150 wellness subsidy each fiscal year. Broad criteria for reimbursement. Not just gyms or traditional “wellness items”. All voluntary. Wellness challenges.
Employee Assistance Program Three free mental health counseling visits. Legal, financial, and other services. Seminars, webinars, printed materials. Support in times of crisis – personally and organizationally. All employees and their families have access.
Professional Development & Tuition Assistance Professional development pool – available to all employees. Discuss during PEP process. Can be segue to Tuition Assistance. Tuition assistance program – accredited degrees. Must be related to current position. $5,250 per year, provision to request additional if applicable.
Conference Travel Support Temporary dependent care costs (dependent as defined in 26 U.S.C. 152) above and beyond regular dependent care that directly results from travel to conferences is allowable provided that: The costs are a direct result of the individual's travel for the Federal award; The costs are consistent with the non-Federal entity's documented travel policy for all entity travel; Are provided by a child care facility or individual who is licensed and/or files taxes as a childcare provider; and Are only temporary during the travel period. Reimbursement is a taxable fringe benefit. Limited to a maximum of $1,000 per fiscal year, per employee.
AUI Scholarship Annual scholarship program. $3,500 per year for four years. Up to 6 scholarships can be awarded. 3 general awards, 2 minority, 1 corporate. Based on merit, academics, essay, recommendations, civil service, athletics, etc. Administered by International Scholarships and Testing Services (ISTS).
Recreation Associations Site based groups of employees. Host social events for holidays and special occasions. Holiday parties for adults and children. Recognition of cultural customs. “Diversity Potluck”. Root Beer Float Day. Provide opportunities to give back to community.