By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Many University of Kentucky staff members are facing a "use it or lose it" scenario with accrued vacation days that expire at the end of the month. The UK Human Resources Department is encouraging those people who won't be taking the time off to consider donating their hours to shared leave pools. Spokesperson Donna Cornet says at any given time, employees need to be away from the workplace for an extended period of time.
"We've had applications for a variety of conditions: car accidents, cancer, heart attack you just never know. And, a lot of people have been good stewards of their time and so they've used that time up. They may need a few extra weeks to get back on their feet before they are able to return to work. This provides that service for them."
Cornet says since the program was implemented in 2007, 10,450 hours have been donated. However this year, the tally is around 2,500 hours. Interested parties can stop by a Shared Leave Information booth this Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will be located across from the Big Blue Deli on the Rose Street Kentucky Clinic pedway.