Help for displaced employees
By now, you have probably received a packet of Human Resources information designed to support you with this transition. Even if you haven’t had the time to read all the material you received, or if you don’t feel like doing so immediately, this is a quick overview of things you can do now to make full use of the resources available to you.
- Be sure to schedule and attend a meeting with a representative from UK HR Career Employment, who can advise you on applying for employment at the University.
- Know about your benefits. Some deadlines are extremely important and can affect what happens to your health insurance or other benefits (click here for UK Employee Benefits contact info). Find out how to apply for unemployment insurance, what will happen to your health and other insurance and more. For some answers to common questions, visit this page.
- If you are feeling very upset about what has happened, think about contacting UK mental health therapist for free counseling services or check your health plan for available services.
- Read the resource list on this site, and take advantage of the information, resources and support available to you.
Addressing Some Common Concerns
It may be helpful to know the following:
- Terminal Vacation Pay - Upon separation from employment, you will receive a payout reflecting any accrued vacation leave you may have (up to one year’s accrual – a 10-, 15- or 20-day maximum, depending on your length of service). See HR Policy & Procedure #81.0: Terminal Vacation Pay for details.
- Reinstatement - Your original service date and certain benefits may be restored if you assume a new regular (non-temporary) position with the University within 12 months of your separation of employment. These include temporary disability (sick) leave balance accruals and vacation leave accrual rates. The period of time not employed by the University does not count toward eligibility or restoration of benefits, or toward time for credit for retirement and leave eligibility calculation. See HR Policy & Procedure #15.0: Reinstatement for details.
- Temporary Disability Leave Conversion and Retirement Eligibility - If you are near retirement eligibility at the time of your separation from employment, you may use accrued temporary disability (sick) leave to close any gap between your separation date and your retirement eligibility date. This would allow you to formally retire from the University upon separation from employment, should you choose this option. See HR Policy & Procedure #87.0 Conversion of Temporary Disability Leave for details.
Managing Stress after Job Loss
Grief is Normal
Grief is a natural response to loss, including that of a job. You may feel a variety of emotions on any given day including anger, sadness, hurt, panic, rejection and fear. This is normal and to be expected. You have every right to feel the way you do so go easy on yourself. Fear, anxiety and depression will make getting back in the job market more difficult, so it is important to manage your feelings effectively and grieve healthily.
- Write about your feelings. This can be cathartic as you may be able to express yourself in a way that is difficult for you to do aloud. Note your feelings about being unemployed and what it means to your situation.
- Accept the reality of the situation. While acknowledging your feelings and situation it’s important to avoid dwelling too long on negative emotions. Try to accept your situation and begin figuring out your next move.
- Challenge your negative thoughts. Try not to put yourself or your abilities down. It’s important to focus on your strengths and how to utilize those for your job search and day-to-day well being.
Acknowledging your feelings and challenging negative thoughts will help you deal with your loss and begin to move forward.
Ways to Manage the Stress of Job Loss
Reach Out.
Be open to support and discussions from a variety of resources. Find networking and support groups for those experiencing similar situations. For links to local groups try the following links:
Involve Your Family.
Unemployment affects the whole family, so communicating with one another is essential. Talk with your family and involve them, when possible, in major decisions. Trying to keep your situation a secret can cause unnecessary worry and stress for other members of your family. Talk about job search plans and let them know how they can support you while you are unemployed. Talking with your children can be especially difficult but very important. To learn about some tips in this area, this article offers some helpful tips.
Take Care of Yourself.
While your focus may be job searching making time for hobbies and enjoyable activities is still important. Exercise regularly; it’s a great stress management activity and can boost your energy and mood. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep as a good night sleep can help manage stress levels and focus during the day. Finally practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Some helpful resources you might consider are helpful tips for restful sleep, and two articles on deep breathing and relaxation, which you can find here and here.
Contact Us for Counseling and Support
If you would like further guidance or to talk more about this information, please feel free to schedule an appointment with the UK mental health therapist program at (859) 218-0461.
Resources for Displaced Employees
UK Career Employment
Contact UK Career Employment for questions and guidance regarding applying for positions at the University. Emily Curtsinger, HR Manager, Employment-Career, (859) 257-9632, emily.curtsinger@uky.edu
UK Employee Benefits
Contact Employee Benefits for more information regarding COBRA benefits continuation, retirement benefits or voluntary benefits. Benefits Office: (859) 257-9519, option 3, benefits@uky.edu
For more information regarding retirement savings, contact one or both UK retirement plan carriers: Fidelity Investments, 800-343-0860, TIAA-CREF, 800-842-2776
UK Mental Health Therapist Resources
Contact mental health therapist for personalized support and counseling: Ann Bassoni, mental health therapist Coordinator, (859) 218-0461, ann.bassoni@uky.edu. For additional resources, visit the UK Office of Work-Life online.
UK Training & Development and Career Development
Employees affected by position elimination may take advantage of instructor-led and online training opportunities, as well as Career Development counseling, through the end of their official separation – and in some circumstances beyond that date.
Career Development: For information on resources or to request a consultation with our career advisor, visit the Career Development page. You may also contact us by phone or e-mail: Diane Kohler, Career Development Program Manager, (859) 257-9416, CareerDevelopment@uky.edu
Training & Development: For information about classes visit this page. For questions about classes, contact: Mallory Griffith, Senior Training Specialist, (859) 257-9427, mallory.griffith@uky.edu
UK Unemployment Office
Contact our Unemployment office with any questions about unemployment benefits. Jeaune Hadl, Unemployment Manager, (859) 257-9189, jeaune.hadl@uky.edu
UK Benefits and Displaced Employees
Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
If you are currently enrolled in a UK health, dental and/or vision plan, that coverage will continue though the end of the month when you separate from UK.
This coverage may be continued beyond your final pay period through the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA): You and/or your eligible family members may be eligible to continue your UK health, dental and/or vision insurance (as well as health care flexible spending) for a limited time. Note: To continue these benefits, you must apply within 60 days of receiving a COBRA notice or your layoff date, whichever is later. Click here for details on enrollment through COBRA.
If you are eligible to retire from UK: The simplest way to maintain health benefits eligibility and participation is to enroll in a UK retiree health plan upon retiring.
In certain situations, you may choose to "postpone" (defer) your UK retiree health benefit. For example, if you accept a new job outside UK that provides health benefits or if you are covered under a spouse's health plan. One requirement to keep in mind: UK retirees (and dependents) who defer UK retiree health coverage must have proof of other health insurance coverage during the 12 months prior to reactivating University health insurance (with no more than a 63 day break in coverage). Please note: Once your health plan coverage has been postponed, it can be reactivated one-time, meaning future deferrals are not possible. If you would like to defer your UK coverage, simply contact the UK Employee Benefits Office and complete a deferral form.
Life Insurance and Voluntary Insurance Plans
UK-provided basic life insurance and any additional optional life insurance coverage may be converted to an individual policy. You may also make arrangements to continue voluntary benefits such as universal life insurance, cancer/specified disease insurance, among others after separating from employment at UK. Otherwise, this coverage ends on your separation date from UK.
Retirement Savings Plans
Your University retirement savings account(s) may remain in place (though you can’t make any further contributions) after you leave UK. You have the option to transfer these funds to a future employer’s retirement savings plan or a personal individual retirement account (IRA).
Employees hired prior to January 1, 2010: Employees hired prior to January 1, 2010 are fully vested regardless of length of service. If you fall into this category, this means all funds contributed to your 403(b) savings account (both employee and employer contributions) remain in your account even after you separate from UK
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2010: 403(b) retirement savings accounts for employees hired on or after January 1, 2010 feature a three-year vesting schedule. Employees in this category must work for the University for a period of three years to see the UK-contributed portion of their accounts become “vested.” In other words, employees (hired on or after January 1, 2010) who leave the University before completing three years of service will not keep any portion of those retirement account funds (10% match) contributed by the University over that time period. Employees hired on or after January 1 will have full access to the 5% employee-contributed portion of their retirement account(s).
Questions? Contact us for a personal consultation.
If you have questions about your benefits, please contact UK Employee Benefits at benefits@uky.edu or (859) 257-9519, option 3