Staff FAQs

Here are answers to obvious questions, and some less obvious ones too. Have a question we haven’t covered? Email it to Staff Comms and we’ll do our best to answer it.

Updated 23/02/2022 

How do I claim working-from-home expenses?

The ATO currently gives you 3 different methods to claim work-from-home-related deductions at tax time. Work related expenses could include internet data, heating/cooling, office equipment, desk, ergonomic chair, etc. Remember if you decide to do this, the ATO requires YOU to keep a record of the actual hours you have worked from home. There is no obligation for employers to provide this information. Your record keeping can be as simple as a diary, spreadsheet, a calendar.

See the ATO for full information and record keeping suggestions:

• Employees working from home | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)
• Records you need to keep | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)
  
  

How do I need to set up my workstation at home?

Your home workstation should replicate your THF office situation. For example if you’ve had an ergonomic assessment at the office and require a sit/stand desk, you will be responsible for organising this for your own home workstation. You can claim the cost of this through your tax (see above).

What systems should I use for online meetings?

Our go-to tool for online meetings is Zoom. Use MS Teams for calls and chats with workmates. 

What if I can't get VPN to work?

If you can, have a look at the Workplace group: Current THF Network & VPN issues to see known problems and solutions. If you have no other option, follow the steps on the IS Wiki page to connect to the alternate VPN.

How should I log an IT request?

If you haven’t already, bookmark this Workplace page. It’s the place to go for network alerts and you can access it without connecting to the VPN.

Please call the Service Desk on (02) 8346 2259 or log a service desk request and the IS team will help.   

Can I work from THF’s Offices?

The THF Head Office will reopen from 28 February 2022 for fully vaccinated staff and visitors.  

Our Health Centres continue to operate as normal. 

All our locations follow a careful COVID Safety Plan to ensure the health and safety of our staff, visitors and members.

Remember all leave needs to be requested by you in ESS and approved by your manager.

I have symptoms of COVID-19, so need to stay home. What should I do?

Get tested immediately and tell your manager/team leader. Stay at home.

For Health Centre staff, you’ll need to stay home and isolate until your test is returned negative. Get a copy of your test results and a medical certificate from your GP if you're away more than two days.

If you have the technical set-up, and feel well enough, you can work remotely.

If you're unable to work because you are sick, you’ll need to take personal leave. We can extend up to 5 days negative personal leave for people who need to isolate (for full-time staff and pro-rated for part-time workers). You’ll need a medical certificate if you are taking more than 2 days' leave.

I may be a high-risk contact of someone who is positive for COVID-19, so need to get tested and self-isolate. What should I do?

If you have the technical set-up, and feel well enough, you can work remotely.

If you're unable to, for whatever reason, you’ll need to take personal leave (sick leave). We will extend personal leave to negative 5 days (for full-time staff and pro-rated for part-time workers), and leave without pay beyond this.

Personal leave beyond 2 days will require medical certification. If you have exhausted your personal leave but still have accrued paid annual leave available you can access this if you have an entitlement to this. If you already have been granted 5 days of negative personal leave, you will progress to leave without pay. Until 31 March 2022, NSW residents can also access long service leave if this is available to them and their annual has been exhausted. 

What if I’m unwell (something other than COVID-19)?

Normal personal leave policies apply for this one and medical certification. If you do not have personal leave you’ll need to take paid annual if the entitlement is available. Otherwise you take leave without pay. Until 31 March 2022, NSW residents can also access long service leave if this is available to them and their annual has been exhausted. 

What if I’m unwell (something other than COVID-19) but can’t get in to see GP for a medical certificate?

Normal personal leave policies apply for this one. Other options may include telehealth consults and pharmacies that issue medical certificates.

What kind of leave should I take if I need to take care of a sick loved one?

If we need to care for others, we generally use personal leave (carer’s leave) and you’ll also need a medical certificate for leave over 2 days. If no personal leave is available, we will extend leave without pay, alternatively if you have paid annual leave entitlement available, you may make use of it here. Until 31 March 2022, NSW residents can also access long service leave if this is available to them and their annual has been exhausted. 

Can I access my long service leave?

In some cases, you'll be able to get early access to your long service leave. There is some government guidance here for New South Wales residents, which has special temporary arrangements in place until 31 March 2022.

In NSW, if you have served more than 5 years' continuous service but less than 10 years’ service, you're eligible to use your LSL in advance if you're unable to work due to being stood down as a result of COVID-19 trading restrictions and/or stay at home rules. To apply for this you please contact Jessica.Thompson@teachershealth.com.au for details.

What options do I have when booking my vaccinations?

Please try to book a vaccination outside of working hours (if possible).

If you cannot organise your appointment outside of working hours, you can offset time lost by accessing your available personal leave or paid annual leave.

What if I get side-effects from my vaccination?

Please take personal leave (sick leave). We will extend personal leave to negative 5 days (for full-time staff and pro-rated for part-time workers), and leave without pay beyond this.

What options do I have if I'm juggling caring for children with work and/or their remote learning?

We understand this is particularly tricky and each family situation is unique. If childcare is temporarily unavailable or you are supporting primary-aged kids with their remote schoolwork, please discuss temporary flexibility options with your manager or team leader.

These may include flexible start and finish times (start earlier or later but work the same hours), flexible workdays (e.g. if you work Mon/Tues/Wed you may find you need to work Wed/Thurs/Fri instead), or other variations. If overall hours are reduced they must be offset by a leave request of some type as mentioned earlier.

As a special temporary flexibility option, you may be also able to access the odd hour or so of your accrued personal (carer’s leave) to help you better manage your workday and your home life in a temporary reduced hours arrangement. If you don't have personal leave available, you can use your accrued annual leave or long service leave. All leave must be requested via ESS.

Are our Health Centres open? 

Yes. Teachers Health Centre’s are open by appointment only. As ever, the health and safety of our members, staff and community is priority.

Paramatta Health Centre is currently closed pending the opening of the new centre. Learn more

How are we supporting members during COVID-19? 

Please see our special COVID-19 page for members

What resources are in place for members?

Here are the COVID-19 member webpages (as at 14/02/22):

• Member support
• Financial hardship support
• Telehealth services during COVID-19

What resources are in place to support me during COVID-19?

If you’re feeling down, stressed and/or anxious, you’re not alone.

Aside from sharing concerns with your manager or team leader, we recommend accessing the Resilience – Advancing Despite Adversity eBook.

Our Wellbeing partner – SMG Health also have fantastic webinars and information to help you navigate working from home, isolation and much more on our Online Wellness Gateway.

For personalised support, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by by Access EAP is available for all staff. It’s a free, confidential service that connects you with experienced counsellors. Use the link above or call 1800 81 87 28.

Alternatively reach out to your P&L Business Partner who is also here to assist and support.

More info

• Working at Head Office 
• Working at Head Office FAQs