This special webpage provides answers and guidance about remote working and other resources for Biosciences Area personnel at Berkeley Lab.
Lab resources:
- Detailed COVID-19 Information and a FAQ on the response to COVID-19
- Up-to-date information on the status of Berkeley Lab
- Updates from the Strategic Communications team, plus information and tips in Elements (LDAP required).
Specific resources that Biosciences personnel may find the most helpful are highlighted below:
Tech-related Resources & Tips
The Lab’s Information Technology (IT) Department has set up [email protected] Lab, which contains links to many IT resources that may be needed while people are working from home.
Do you have a quick question about Zoom or need advice about using Google Drive or Chat? IT has launched a Lab-wide live chat for IT support including in-depth 1:1 support if needed. IT Support Chat supplements the regular IT help desk support, which is available at help.lbl.gov.
RSIGuard
This desktop ergonomic software solution reduces the impact of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) using Windows or Apple Computers. It is recommended by Berkeley Lab Environment & Health Services ergonomics specialists and is free to Lab employees. The software provides an automatic break reminder and suggested stretch exercises. Download.
Software Use When Teleworking
If you need software while you’re teleworking, the Laboratory has resources to assist you. You can learn more about how to download software, the different license types, and the process for requesting new software. More information.
Zoom Training
Need to master Zoom for telework? Zoom is offering interactive training webinars four times per day, with live Q&A, as well as recorded sessions. Learn the fundamentals you’ll need to enable remote meetings, presentations, and social breaks, and learn more about Zoom. For a little fun, change your background in Zoom to have a tropical beach or the Golden Gate bridge behind you rather than a blank wall or cluttered bookshelf. Download the Zoom app, go to Preferences >Virtual Background and upload a photo or choose one provided. More info here. New! Custom Berkeley Lab Zoom backgrounds!
Don’t Be a Victim of Zoom Bombing
Many of us are now on Zoom, and people from outside our organization may be able to join our meetings. Zoom Bombing, as it is known, is when someone who is not invited obtains your Zoom meeting info and joins the call with the intent to disrupt it. Learn more about this trend and how you can protect your meetings.
Berkeley Lab Collaboration Tools
With a mix of onsite and distributed workers, we need to make sure that “team science,” so core to our Lab’s DNA, is nurtured during these unusual times. Collaboration tools can help nurture the formal and informal relationships that make Berkeley Lab work. Learn more at https://worktogether.lbl.gov/ and, of course, feel free to reach out for advice or to share your ideas at [email protected].
How to Run Inclusive & Effective Virtual Meetings
How do you create an environment that encourages diversity of opinion and participation from all attendees when participants are not in the same room? Virtual meetings may be novel for some participants, so reviewing what is expected, setting guidelines, and making everyone feel welcome will close the virtual distance between all participants. Guidelines are available here. Looking for more resources? Check out the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office websites (diversity.lbl.gov and ideas-in-action.lbl.gov) and this Cornell ILR Executive Education webinar, “Leading Remote Teams: Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis.”
VPN Access
Some Lab applications and sites require Virtual Private Network or VPN for offsite access. Learn more about when you need VPN, how to use it, and where to download the software.
Voicemail Access
You can access your voice messages via the Remote Access line at 510-486-7100. You can also request that voicemail messages from your office phone be sent to your email as audio files. Read more.
Social Media Training
Grow or expand your current knowledge of social media using LinkedIn Learning. These curated courses and supplemental videos will give you certificate training in basic skills for Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Safety
Telework at Berkeley Lab
On June 15, Laboratory leadership approved new policies and procedures addressing the ergonomic and productivity needs of the Lab’s teleworkers. Be sure to visit this page set up by the Ergo team with resources specific to teleworking during this time. If you are experiencing discomfort, stop work and talk to your supervisor and EHS Ergonomics at [email protected].
Watch the replay of [email protected] (a special Zoom session that was held on March 24). The Lab’s ergo specialist Melanie Alexandre talks about how to best set up your home workspace and how to order any needed ergonomic equipment. Hear participant questions and see what creative solutions Alexandre has in order to provide the best set-up for your home workspace.
Procurement Guidelines
Following the recently updated Lab guidance on how to acquire peripherals, computers, and ergonomic accessories will allow Procurement to meet your remote working needs efficiently.
Procurement
Purchasing Guidance
Procurement is fully operational at this time and available to support your acquisition needs, including addressing your immediate needs for remote work and advance planning for upcoming procurements. See this site for purchasing guidance that applies during the Lab’s “safe and stable standby” status. If you have any questions, please contact the Procurement Help Desk at [email protected] or (510) 486-6400.
Human Resources
Information for Biosciences Area Managers & Supervisors
The HR website has been updated to include a COVID-19 HR resource area including the new Paid Administrative Leave policy (as of 3/24/20), HR FAQs, and resources. During this safe and stable standby operations mode, changes to HR services have been put in place. Read more.
COVID-19 Visa and Immigration Webinar
HR Shared Services, the International Researchers and Scholars Office, and the Lab’s immigration legal firm held an informative webinar on April 2 that addressed how COVID-19 is impacting visas and immigration. Watch the archived video in the Lab video library.
Health Corner
For those seeking assistance in dealing with anxiety and stress, the Lab’s Employee Assistance Program offers a number of solutions.
Wellness in the New Normal
The All Access Employee Resource Group presents “Wellness in the New Normal.” Connect with fellow Berkeley Lab colleagues and join in on short facilitated discussions once every two weeks to share tips on being well throughout this challenging time. The sessions will be roughly 30 minutes each, during the lunch hour every other Tuesday. See the DEI Calendar or Lab Calendar for the Zoom link and other details.
Stay Healthy
Take 50 seconds to learn how to wash your hands with the Lab’s Dr. Timur Durrani in this video.
Virtual Yoga Classes with the LBNL Yoga Club
Try virtual yoga to stay well during shelter-in-place. Free classes are offered on Tuesdays (for beginners) and Wednesdays (intermediate level) at noon, both with Wes Bethel. Other classes are available for a modest fee. Visit the LBNL Yoga Club website for more information.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office Daily Stretch Breaks
Daily stretches can be helpful for maintaining ergonomic safety and good mental health. Facilitators will lead a 10-minute break daily from 9:30 – 9:40 AM. There will also be a meditation session at noon on Wednesdays. Full schedule is on the DEI website.
Meditation Mondays & Fridays
The Lab’s Mindfulness Meditation Group will hold meditation sessions on Zoom every Monday at noon and Friday at 11 am. Use this mid-day break to focus, breathe, and learn something new. More info.
Tips to Deal With Anxiety in Uncertain Times
In this short video, Craig Mielcarski, Director of UC Berkeley’s Employee Assistance Program, shares tips to help you maintain your emotional health during these challenging times. Watch video. 
Supporting Those on the Front Lines
Learn how you can support the emotional well-being of family and friends who are working on the front lines in response to COVID-19. Watch this video of the session led by Craig Mielcarski, Director of UC Berkeley’s Employee Assistance Program, that was held on Monday, March 30.
Elder Care: Caregiver Responses in Light of COVID-19
Caring for an elder during the COVID-19 pandemic is uniquely challenging, with elders isolated and their support system non-functional. Maureen Kelly, Elder Counselor from Employee Assistance, led a virtual discussion on April 6. Watch the video for coping strategies and resources.
