The health system offers generous paid time off (PTO) in addition to eight paid holidays to support staff in taking care of themselves. (Part-time employees with at least 0.5 FTE are eligible for PTO on a prorated basis.)                                                   

To provide flexibility, employees may sell PTO, generally twice each year in May and November. The spring 2023 sell-back period is May 1-22.

How it works

  • PTO sell-back is generally offered in the spring and fall each year.
    • The executive team of the health system may adjust this process, including the timing and percentage paid, at any time based on business dynamics.
  • To be eligible to sell PTO, employees must meet all of the following criteria:
    • Have 80 or more hours in their PTO bank on May 1 and at the time they make the request to sell hours;
    • Have at least 40 hours remaining in their PTO bank after the sell-back; and
    • Have completed 6 months of service with the health system as of May 1.
  • Eligible employees may sell from 1 to 40 hours of PTO during each sell-back
    • The maximum PTO sell-back amount allowed is 80 hours per year.
  • In the spring 2023 sell-back, employees will receive 90% of hourly pay for each hour sold. The payout is at a reduced rate of pay, in compliance with IRS regulations.
  • Payment for hours sold will be included in direct deposit and reflected in pay slips on Friday, June 2.
  • Payments are taxed at the rate for supplemental income (22% federal, 5% state) unless the employee has elected tax withholding at a higher rate.
  • Any hours sold back are deducted from the PTO balance.
  • Eligible employees will receive an email with instructions for how to request a sell-back, which is done in Kronos.

Time off is essential for your health

Employees are encouraged to use their PTO and not hold it for sell-back opportunities. Taking time away from work to rest and rejuvenate is essential for positive mental, physical and emotional health, especially for those who work in healthcare.

PTO may be scheduled for any purpose beyond the traditional week-long vacation: Be creative and generous with yourself when scheduling your paid time off from work.

Paid time off can be used for any purpose beyond the traditional week-long vacation:

  • Mental health or self-care – consider scheduling a day off on a regular basis as “routine maintenance” for your mental and emotional health. The free It’s About You wellness program offers great ideas and resources for self-care.
  • Commemorating holidays – each individual and family celebrates unique holidays. PTO can be scheduled so you can honor those events if they fall outside of the 8 paid holidays offered by the health system.
  • Long weekends – combine your PTO with your regularly scheduled days off to give yourself a longer break.
  • Family events – spend extra time with family at weddings, graduations, anniversaries, reunions, birthdays and more.
  • Stay-cation – become a tourist in your own neighborhood. Save on stay-cation activities with discounts on Perks For You, explore local hiking trails or
  • Check items off your to-do list – support your mental health by doing your spring cleaning, lining up summer activities for the kids or stocking the pantry for summer break.

Questions

If you need further information, please review the frequently asked questions and their answers from the Human Resources team. You may also contact the HR Support Center: AskHR@kumc.edu or 913-945-6500.