When life happens, Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) gives you flexibility to take care of yourself and your family.
Check your accrued ESST on the My Time tab in MyU. If you have hours available, explore the options below to see how ESST can support you and your family.
Prioritize your physical and mental health
ESST can be used for your own medical needs, and taking care of your mental health is just as important as addressing physical illness. Examples include:
- Medical, dental, vision, or specialist appointments
- Preventive care visits and annual checkups
- Counseling or therapy sessions
- Medication management appointments
- Time to rest and recover from illness, injury, or a medical procedure
- Time away to care for your mental health
Care for a family member
You may also use ESST to support a family member in a variety of situations. This can include:
- Staying home with a sick child
- Bringing a family member to a medical or mental health appointment
- Caring for a partner, parent, or other eligible family member recovering from a mental or physical illness, surgery, or other health condition
- Providing comfort and care during short-term health concerns
Review the Department of Labor and Industry’s broad list of eligible family members.
Respond to work, school, and care facility closures
Unexpected closures happen, and ESST is available for certain circumstances whether it’s your workplace or a family member’s school or care facility. The policy covers:
- The University’s announcement of a closure or reduced operations due to weather or other public emergency, if the closure means you are unable to work
- Caring for a family member whose school or place of care has been closed due to weather or other public emergency
Make arrangements and attend services after a loss
Taking time to grieve and manage important responsibilities after a loss is important. ESST may also be used to:
- Make funeral or memorial arrangements
- Attend a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life
- Address financial or legal matters that arise after a loved one’s passing
Support for safety-related needs
If you or a family member are experiencing domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, ESST provides paid time away to:
- Seek medical attention
- Meet with a counselor or advocate
- Attend legal proceedings
- Relocate or take steps to ensure personal safety