Thank you to everyone who participated in our June 25th “What’s New, What’s Next” Town Hall. We received a wide range of thoughtful questions, and we’re committed to addressing your feedback transparently and constructively.
In response to your thoughtful questions below, we’ve organized our summary response into four parts:
- What you asked
- How we support you today
- What we’re doing
- How to learn more or stay involved
Theme: Employee Voice in Benefit Offerings
What you asked:
Can Texas Children’s employed team members be included in reviewing benefit offerings?
How we support you today:
We welcome your input through:
- Conversations with your leader
- Questions submitted during “What’s New, What’s Next” Town Halls
- Our Employee Engagement Survey
- Direct outreach to the Benefits team at TotalRewards@texaschildrens.org
What we’re doing:
We actively incorporate employee feedback into our annual benefits review. Insights from the Engagement Survey and June Town Hall are being considered as we plan future enhancements.
How to stay involved:
Continue sharing your ideas, we’re listening and committed to evolving our programs with your voice at the center.
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Theme: Extended Illness Bank (EIB) Enhancements
What you asked:
- Can long-term employees convert unused EIB hours?
- Can EIB be used for medical appointments or family emergencies?
How we support you today:
- EIB provides income protection for your own extended illness
- We aim to keep this benefit responsive and sustainable
- To learn more please refer to the Time Off Policy in Policy Tech (Policy #4916)
What we’re doing:
We’re reviewing the EIB program to explore:
- High balance accumulation
- Broader or alternative uses of the benefit
How to stay involved:
We welcome your continued feedback as we evaluate ways to enhance the EIB benefit.
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Theme: PTO Sell Program
What you asked:
- Why is PTO Sell paid out at 75%?
- Why is it taxed at a higher rate?
How we support you today:
- Eligible team members can sell PTO up to 80 hours once or 40 hours twice per calendar year
- The program offers financial flexibility when needed
- We encourage use of PTO for rest and rejuvenation, but understand flexibility matters
- To learn more please go to www.texaschildrensbenefits.org or refer to the Time Off Policy in Policy Tech (Policy #4916)
What we’re doing:
To comply with the IRS regulations, specifically the Constructive Receipt Doctrine. Our PTO Sell Program includes a reduction payout of 75% of your base rate.
The funds withheld at 25% are currently used to support Texas Children’s Employee Wellness programs.
Additionally, PTO Sell is taxed at a flat federal rate as directed by the IRS as this compensation is considered supplemental income, which can appear higher than standard payroll withholdings.
Your feedback is helping us evaluate how this program fits into our broader benefits strategy.
How to stay involved:
We invite your continued input as we review this and other programs to better support your needs.
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Theme: Financial Flexibility During Hardship
What you asked:
Can I take a hardship loan or withdrawal from my 403(b) retirement plan?
How we support you today:
- Emergency financial assistance and resources for hardship are available through:
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- The Employee Financial Assistance Fund (EFAF)
- To learn more about the EAP, please click here
- To learn more about the EFAF, please click here
What we’re doing:
We are continuously exploring opportunities to expand financial flexibility for team members facing hardship.
How to stay involved:
Your questions help guide our efforts, please continue to share your needs and ideas.
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Theme: On-Site Fitness Options
What you asked:
Will Texas Children’s offer employed teammates an on-site gym?
How we support you today:
- Free virtual and on-site fitness classes are available across the system
- To learn more about these programs and availability, please click here
- To share other feedback on our well-being offerings, you can email them directly to wellbeing@texaschildrens.org
What we’re doing:
We’re evaluating the feasibility of adding on-site gym space in the future.
How to stay involved:
Let us know what wellness resources matter most to you, your input helps shape what is considered in the future.
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Theme: On-Campus Food Offerings
What you asked:
- What is going into the old McDonald’s location in Abercrombie?
- Could you discuss potential plans to expand late-night food services?
How we support you today:
- LunchDrop Meal Delivery service is available for lunch (12-12:30pm) and evening (9-10:30pm) hot meal orders from a rotating list of restaurants.
What we’re doing:
We are excited to feature updates to our on-campus food offerings for all hospital campuses in our next quarterly town hall – stay tuned!
How to stay involved:
We welcome your continued feedback as we evaluate ways to enhance on-campus food offerings.