2025 Compensation, Holiday and Leave Changes
Compensation
Q: What is the compensation change for 2025?
A: All eligible UK and UK HealthCare employees will receive a 1.5% across-the-board pay increase, with a minimum increase of $750. To be eligible, employees must be in good standing in terms of performance reviews.
This compensation does not include employees who work for Beyond Blue — the holding company for our community hospitals, UK King’s Daughters Medical Center and UK St. Claire Health.
Q: Who is eligible for the increase?
A: UK HealthCare will issue eligibility requirements closer to its October implementation.
To be eligible in campus and non-UK HealthCare areas, faculty and staff must:
- Have held a regular position as of January 31, 2025.
- Not currently be on a phased retirement appointment.
- Not be clinical faculty, APP or a medical resident.
Faculty and staff must also have demonstrated at least satisfactory performance.
Q: What if I’m on the Nursing Step Scale?
A: UK HealthCare staff on the Nursing Step Scale who are eligible will receive either the designated step increase or a 1.5% salary adjustment — whichever amount is greater.
Q: What does “satisfactory performance” mean?
A: Satisfactory performance is measured on the 2024 calendar year performance evaluation score or other indicators. For example, the performance evaluation score must be greater than or equal to 2.0. Faculty and staff with no documented performance score for the 2024 calendar year are eligible if their performance was deemed at least satisfactory by the department or unit head.
Q: When will I see the increase in my paycheck?
A: The effective date will align with normal salary review cycles:
- UK (campus): Effective July 1
- UK HealthCare: Effective last pay period in October
Additional Paid Holidays
Q: What are the new holidays being added?
A: UK will add December 24 and January 2 as official paid holidays during the 2025 holiday season.
Q: Do these days replace existing holidays?
A: No. These are in addition to the current holiday schedule.
Q: What if I work in a unit that must remain open on those days (e.g., hospitals and clinics)?
A: As with other holidays, employees required to work will receive holiday compensation according to standard UK/UK HealthCare policies. Alternative leave days may be coordinated with your supervisor.
Q: Will these holiday dates continue every year?
A: For now, these changes apply to the 2025–2026 winter break. Future calendars will be reviewed annually.
Q: Do the December 24 and January 2 holidays apply to Beyond Blue employees?
A: No, these additional holidays do not apply to Beyond Blue employees.
Parental and Elder Care Leave Expansion
Q: What’s changing with parental leave?
A: Beginning July 1, 2025, eligible employees will receive four weeks (up from two weeks) of paid leave for welcoming a new child (birth, adoption, foster placement).
Q: What’s changing with elder care leave?
A: Beginning July 1, 2025, eligible employees will receive two weeks (up from one week) of elder care leave to care for a qualifying elder family member.
Q: Who qualifies for this benefit?
A: If you have not worked enough to be eligible for Family Medical Leave, you may still qualify for paid parental or elder care leave. Any regular staff employee working at least 0.5 FTE is eligible for paid parental or elder leave immediately upon employment.
Q: Is this in addition to other types of leave?
A: Yes. This paid leave is separate from sick leave, vacation time or FMLA. It may be used in combination with those policies when applicable.
Q: Can I split up my leave?
A: Yes, in most cases the leave can be taken consecutively or intermittently, in consultation with your department and HR.
Q: How do I apply for parental leave or elder care leave?
A: You can request parental leave here. You can request elder care leave here.
Q: Where can I get more information or ask questions?
A: More information is available about parental leave and elder care leave can be found on the Human Resources website. You can also email humanresources@uky.edu or call (859) 257-9519.