Important information on Yale’s hazardous weather policy

As a reminder, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect, communication between staff, managers, and work teams is imperative to ensure that work expectations, departmental needs, and staffing plans are clear to everyone. Now is the time to review roles before, during, and after major storms, and to clarify the internal communication plan. For support and guidance with planning, please contact your Human Resources Generalist or Emergency Management.

For personnel performing critical functions: In departments that are responsible for life, health, safety and security, staff performing critical functions must report to work. If it is not clear to you whether you perform a critical function, please ask your manager. Your department’s human resources generalist is also available to help managers and staff think this through, as is your business office.

For personnel who do not work in a department providing critical functions: If severe weather conditions hinder safe travel, where possible, the University encourages supervisors to exercise flexibility and sensitivity to requests by their staff. If weather conditions are hazardous, supervisors may consider granting permission to staff to leave work early, remain at home, or, if operationally feasible, work from home that day. Staff members who choose to arrive late, leave early or stay at home, and who do not perform critical functions, should consult a supervisor to see if they can use paid time off. All staff members facing weather challenges are expected to have regular communication with their supervisors throughout the event.

Please consult the policies and resources listed here for general guidance:
    •    The University’s Hazardous Weather Policy
    •    Guidelines on occasional telecommuting based on an episode of inclement weather for M&P employees
    •    Weather updates, campus closings, and information about being prepared at home

For more information or assistance regarding Yale’s policies, please contact your department Business Office or Human Resources generalist.

Photo: Robert DeSanto, Internal Communications