For the fifth straight summer, Case Western Reserve University staff once again can enjoy extra free time through Take Two, the university initiative that gives employees two hours off on Friday afternoons.
The initiative will run for eight Fridays in June and July: June 7, 14, 21 and 28 and July 5, 12, 19 and 26. On those days, employees will be able to leave at 3 p.m., resulting in an additional 16 hours paid time off.
“After five years, some may not be aware that this program emerged from staff survey responses in which they encouraged university leaders to consider additional ways to demonstrate appreciation for staff,” said Vice President for Human Resources Carolyn Gregory. “I want to acknowledge and thank those individuals for their creativity and engagement, which has benefited all of their colleagues.”
While most employees will be able to leave their offices at 3 p.m. on Fridays during the program, there are some instances in which some must continue working past that time to support the university’s ongoing functions—such as safety and maintenance. In those cases, alternative arrangements should be made.
In addition, some offices and units also must be staffed until 5 p.m. on Fridays, in which case, alternative arrangements also should be made.
When an employee cannot leave at 3 p.m. on Fridays, supervisors are expected to engage with employees to schedule equivalent paid time off in other ways, such as alternating which staff members work until 5 p.m. on Fridays, and giving those who do have to work time off on an agreed-upon day. Additionally, supervisors can allow employees to group their hours into half- or full-days.
The initiative began in 2015, when President Barbara R. Snyder first announced it as a way to show appreciation for employees as financial constraints limited raise pools. Following that first year, surveys revealed an overwhelming majority of staff and supervisors wanted the program to continue. In addition to Take Two, employees receive paid time off between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Contact the Office of Human Resources’ Service Center at 216.368.6964 with questions.