Quiet Period: December 25-January 1

The university encourages all units to observe a “quiet period” from December 25, 2024 to January 1, 2025, as operations allow. 

Here’s how we operationalize this: 

  1. Scale back operations: The university will not be closed, but leaders and supervisors should reduce operations as much as possible during the quiet period. As one way to implement this, we suggest that everyone at all levels of the organization avoid sending non-urgent emails, Teams messages, or other communications. 
  2. Encourage time off: Invite employees to use their paid time off during the quiet period, including accrued leave, the special day of leave, and the floating holiday. 
    • Nine-month instructional faculty are already on paid leave during this week. 
    • Some employees will choose to work during this time, and that’s okay! These employees will have the chance to catch up on projects and do more in-depth work while things are slower. Employees who choose to work during this time should refrain from sending messages or creating new work for others, as much as possible. 
    • In units and teams where time off is not feasible during the quiet period, encourage time off as operations allow at other times of the year. 
  3. Plan for coverage: Ensure that essential services are covered. Coordinate with your team to manage workloads and maintain necessary operations.  

 

woman listening to music and drinking a warm beverage

Tip: If you’re working during the quiet period, use the “schedule send” feature in Microsoft Outlook and Teams to avoid sending non-urgent emails and instant messages during the quiet period.