How much money can one expect for a promotional increase?

Usually it is 5% per pay grade. It is possible to determine a promotional increase using the "new hire" policy. This policy allows an employee to be treated as a "new hire", that is salary is based upon the directly related education and experience that the employee possesses over the minimum requirements approved by the Office of State Personnel. Equity and budgeted salary would be a consideration for this procedure.

How are increases in salary, other than legislative increases, given to state employees?

A salary increase can be given for either the reallocation of a position or the approval of an in-range salary adjustment. A reallocation occurs when the specific duties and responsibilities of a position have increased so that factors such as complexity, variety, scope, and decision-making are now at a greater level. The additional duties are analyzed and the overall position is compared to other positions with similar duties. If the overall role of the position is equivalent to positions with higher salary grades, then the position will most likely be reallocated to the same salary grade.

Salary increases can also occur through in-range salary adjustments. These increases are generally given for additional duties which are not strong enough to reallocate the position to a higher level. They can also be given to resolve internal equity problems or to reduce the turnover rates within specific classifications. No more than a 10% in-range salary adjustment can be given within a 12-month period.

How do I initiate the process of having my position studied?

Both the immediate supervisor and the head of the Division/Commission in which the position functions must be aware of any requests for the position to be studied. This will ensure that funding is available and that management supports the request. A formal written request from the Division/Commission head should then be submitted to the Human Resources Office. This request must include a rationale for position analysis, along with documentation regarding changes in duties since the position was last studied.

What is The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Who qualifies?

The Employee Assistance Program assists state employees with issues that may be interfering with their job performance.
Examples include:

• Divorce
• Alcohol or drug problems
• Depression
• Family problems
• Illness, etc.

The program grants time away from work (reasonable time) for a first time evaluation, at no leave charge, with total confidentiality. Any state employee qualifies for this program.

What are the qualifications for receiving Educational Assistance?

You must be a permanent state employee, and you must have your immediate supervisor’s and division director’s approval in order to take computer courses and college courses. All courses must be job related. The Personnel Development Center offers a number of courses for permanent state employees.

What paperwork is required to separate an employee?

The following documentation should be sent to the Human Resources office as soon as possible:

• Personnel Action Request Form indicating the date of separation and reason for separation
• A copy of the resignation letter
• Timesheet(s).

Timesheets are required in order to check for accuracy of leave balances and to be paid for any unused annual leave (up to 240 hours) in a timely manner.  The Human Resources Office should also receive a completed Separation Checklist prior to the employee's last day of work.   Completion of the checklist will ensure that items such as office keys, business credit cards, and final timesheets are turned in.  Receipt of this form will also help the Human Resources Office ensure that an employee continues desired benefits and that final wages are paid as soon as possible.

Where can I get more information regarding State Personnel Policies?

The State Personnel Manual is available online. If you have questions about a given policy, please contact the Commerce Human Resources Office at (919) 733-2104.

How much Sick Leave do I earn?

All state employees earn eight (8) hours of sick leave per month.

How much Annual Leave (Vacation) do I earn?

The amount of leave earned each month varies on your total state service.

State Service Hours Granted Monthly
Less than 2 years   =   7 hours 50 minutes
2 but less than 5 years   =   9 hours 10 minutes
5 but less than 10 years   =   11 hours 10 minutes
10 but less than 15 years   =   13 hours 10 minutes
15 but less than 20 years   =   15 hours 10 minutes
20 years or more   =   17 hours 10 minutes

How is Leave handled in the event of a snowstorm or natural disaster?

The Adverse Weather Policy allows employees to make-up time lost in the event of a natural disaster.

Who is eligible for 12 work weeks of Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)?

The Family Medical Leave Act allows for a qualified employee to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for an immediate family member or for qualified personal health reasons. As the Office of State Personnel manual states, "any employee who has been employed with State government for at least 12 months and who has been in pay status for at least 1040 hours (half-time) during the previous 12-month period."

How should FMLA be reflected on timesheets?

In an effort to keep track of the 12 work weeks of FMLA, timesheets should reflect any days taken toward FMLA. Designated Leave Without Pay or Sick leave of more than 3 (three) consecutive days will begin the tracking of FMLA. Division/Commission Leave Administrators are responsible for making sure FMLA leave is properly designated on the timesheet.

How much time away from work is acceptable for the birth of a child?

As the Office of State Personnel manual states, "since there is no certainty as to when disability actually begins and ends, a doctor’s certificate or other evidence satisfactory to the agency shall be required verifying the employee’s period of temporary disability." Usually the period of disability is between 6 to 8 weeks, depending upon the type of delivery.

Regarding maternity leave, how should I use my leave?

Since sick leave can only be used for sickness and medical appointments (see OSP manual, section 8/page 6/#5 use of sick leave), the employee would start exhausting the 6 – 8 weeks of sick leave and then continue on with any available annual leave they choose to exhaust.