University of Oregon leadership is piloting a “quiet period,” as operations allow, on the weekdays between the Christmas and New Year holidays so employees can take a break from the norm. 

With the exception of the official closures on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, the university will be open, but leaders are encouraged to reduce operations as much as possible and invite employees to use their paid time off.

Mark Schmelz, vice president and chief human resources officer, stated in a recent Around the O article he is hopeful that observing a formal quiet period will empower employees to unplug and really recharge.

While many will be away using time off, others will be reporting to work as usual. The “quiet period” is intended to be a community agreement to reduce the pressures of a typical work week allowing those at work to focus on their own tasks, attend fewer, if any, meetings, and get a break from new assignments coming their way.

Those who do work during the quiet period should refrain from contacting those who are off so that they can fully disconnect. 

Additionally, a pilot of an extra paid holiday is underway for eligible employees to observe any day of cultural, religious or other personal significance between Dec. 1 and Nov. 30, 2024. This pilot holiday is in addition to the university’s other paid leave offerings, including the Special Day of Leave.