Some good news on the work front today. We've all just been given four hours to be used for "cultural observance activities" - in recognition of Juneteenth, but to make it inclusive, it's given to everyone, and all we have to do is schedule it with our manager's approval, and they're not allowed to ask what you're actually observing, so I plan to culturally observe my German heritage next Friday by taking that half-day in the afternoon, grilling some brats, and drinking a couple of good German beers.
Additionally, effective next year, we're getting two additional days of "paid absence" days (used to be called sick time), so we used to get six days, now we'll be getting eight. These are days we use for going to docs' appointments, or when we get the sniffles, or just need a mental health day.
On top of that, starting next year, we get two weeks of paid medical leave, meant to be used in the event you or a family member need recovery time following a surgery, or anything medically-related that needs undivided attention.
We do have 12 weeks of federal family/medical leave, but that's unpaid (basically, a promise to hold your job for 12 weeks should you become ill), so even two weeks of something that's paid, in addition to paid vacation and paid absence days, is a step in the right direction.
There've been multiple times in the past where I could have used medical leave, so that'll be handy should I need it again.
At least ours doubles as organ transport when it's not being used by the president.
