COVID-19 Pandemic: Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank

Update - November 8, 2021: Donation cap to be implemented on voluntary sick day bank (review announcement)


To assist full- and part-time regular staff employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Pittsburgh is offering the opportunity for employees to make a one-time donation to or request additional sick time from a Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank.

Donating Sick Time

The employee must have enough sick time accrued to donate to the Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank. Donations can be made by contacting HR Shared Services and requesting the donation form. Once the form is submitted via the ERM Service Desk, HR Shared Services will determine if they are eligible to donate sick time, based on their percentage of effort.

Requesting Sick Time

Requesting employees must have five (5) days or less of sick time already accrued, and must have applied for and been approved for an FMLA and be on an approved leave of absence to qualify for the Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank. Once the form is submitted via the ERM Service Desk, HR Shared Services will review the employee's record in Pitt Worx to determine if they are eligible to receive additional sick time based on their percentage of effort.

Requested sick time is available on a first come, first served basis. If there is no time available in the Voluntary Sick Day Bank, the employee will be added to a waiting list and contacted if and when sick time becomes available.

Donating Process

To donate sick time, an employee must:

  • Submit a case to the ERM Service Desk through the online OHR web form.
  • Select:
    • Service Area: Human Resources and Payroll
    • I Need Help with: Sick Day Bank
  • Download the form once HR Shared Services replies to the request via email with the form attached.
  • Complete the form with all appropriate signatures.
  • Return the completed and signed form to HR Shared Services by replying to the open case email from ERM Services Desk and attaching the form.

Requesting Process

To request sick time, an employee must:

  • Work with their supervisor/department administrator on their FMLA claim.
  • The supervisor/department administrator can then open a case in the ERM Service Desk through the online OHR web form.
  • Select:
    • Service Area: Human Resources and Payroll
    • I Need Help with: Sick Day Bank
  • Download the form once HR Shared Services replies to the request via email with the form attached.
  • Complete the form with all appropriate signatures.
  • Return the completed and signed form to HR Shared Services by replying to the open case email from ERM Services Desk and attaching the form.

The option to donate to and request sick time from this bank is effective April 13, 2020.

Learn More

If you have any questions, please contact HR Shared Services by submitting a request via the online OHR web form.

Please review the Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank Policy and Procedure for detailed guidelines and protocol regarding the Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank. Explore the COVID-19 Resources for Managers SharePoint site for the full Temporary Voluntary Sick Day Bank policy and procedure.