Working during the COVID-19 pandemic
Current Status — UPDATED February 11, 2021
To minimize the number of people on our campuses and prevent the spread of COVID-19, all work that can be conducted remotely must continue to be conducted remotely until at least August 31, 2021. The only exceptions are:
- critical services on campuses
- approved research activities that cannot be conducted remotely
- approved in-person courses and exams
- approved limited work exceptions on campus (e.g., access to equipment or inadequate work space at home to operate effectively)
One-time and occasional visits to campus can be permitted by supervisors and managers according to the above criteria. See the Approval Processes for Returning to Campus section of the Safety Measures General Directives for more information.
See the latest COVID-19 Information for the U of A Community »
Working remotely
Review information about working remotely.
Returning to campus
Learn more about returning to campus.
What to do if you are sick
If you feel sick, follow the university procedure.
Information for foreign nationals
Due to the pandemic, some restrictions now apply to foreign nationals who plan to work at the University of Alberta.
Balancing work and personal responsibilities
Many people find themselves in caregiving roles.
- Consider all reasonable options for alternative family obligations; expect to outline what you have explored to your supervisor.
- Discuss options with your supervisor for modified hours or duties, and if you are working on campus, discuss working from home.
- If you are unable to work due to childcare or other family or personal responsibilities, you may use vacation accrual, banked time, or request leave without pay.
- Stay home and take all reasonable precautions to protect yourself while you care for the person. Contact Health Link at 811 for advice.
- Contact your supervisor to advise them of the reason for your absence. Discuss options for working from home with your supervisor.
- Leave provisions as per the collective agreement or terms and conditions of employment (e.g. compassionate leave) will be applied.
- You may use vacation accrual or banked time, or request leave without pay.
Leave and Pay Considerations
Refer to the Employee Leave and Pay Guidelines for information on pay continuance and leaves for each employee group during COVID-19.
Support you have access to
With any change, it is normal to experience fear, stress, anxiousness, and worry. This has been an emotionally overwhelming time for many people. Stress can be compounded by a number of factors, notably physical or mental health challenges and financial strain.
You have access to 24/7 counselling through the university’s Employee and Family Assistance Program, as well as online resources and courses (resilience, taking control of stress, mindfulness, developing resilience, power of a positive attitude, maintaining good mental health).
- Review tips to support yourself and those around you during the pandemic
- Access resources for assisting you and your family during the pandemic
- Find tips for working remotely and staying healthy
Personal and professional development
Employees can benefit from a number of personal and professional courses and workshops for dealing with COVID-19.
- Embracing Workplace Change EFAP e-course
- COVID-19: Calming Your Mind in Challenging Times
- Building Resilience in the Face of COVID-19
- COVID-19: Strategies for Managing Stress
- Anxiety, Depression and COVID-19: Supporting Yourself and Others
- Mindfulness and Mitigating the Stress Response to COVID-19
- Managing Your Emotional Labour in the Workplace
- Building Resilience During and After the Pandemic (Dec 2)
- Upgrading your Self-Care during COVID crisis