Business Case
All businesses and organizations need to manage their workforce efficiently, and the use of a well-tailored and comprehensive technology solution helps serve this purpose. That’s just good practice.
However, during a historic pandemic like COVID-19, the need to effectively address new and emerging business challenges is paramount. Government leaders are expected to act quickly to lead and support response efforts. Technology needs to keep up.
New York State was confronted with the need for immediate LATSnet system adjustments, including the creation of payment codes and PayServ earnings codes to track COVID-19 overtime, as well as the temporary ability to carry over expiring accruals. Additionally, agencies needed added reports and mass updates to employee records.
The Solution
CMA responded quickly to the State’s COVID-19 related needs with a series of recommendations and LATSnet system modifications.
Payment Codes: CMA supported the creation of new payment codes to capture and track COVID-19 related work hours and created a custom payment roster to facilitate overtime payments for COVID-19 for otherwise overtime-ineligible employees. CMA also enabled payment functionality for agencies that did not normally use it and modified the LATSnet timesheet view for select employees.
PayServ Earning Codes: After the Office of New York State Comptroller issued a bulletin regarding payroll, CMA provided guidance and support for the creation of new earnings codes and associated payment codes for COVID-19 overtime.
Expiring Accruals: CMA provided the state with guidance on the impact of COVID-19 changes to LATSnet notifications related to the expiration of accruals. Since current processes did not handle the changes needed for COVID-19 tracking, CMA provided alternatives to personal leave, non-comp time, and vacation to meet the state’s urgent needs.
Reports: CMA developed ad hoc reports to assist organizations in evaluating COVID-19 time. Different agencies had different requirements, but CMA’s assistance helped them meet tight timelines.
Employee Accounts Mass Updates: CMA reconfigured employee accounts to allow for flexible work schedules, saving agency administrators from having to update thousands of individual records.
The Results
By responding quickly to the needs of New York State agencies and authorities, CMA allowed those organizations to continue their best work—serving the people. CMA remains prepared to continue adjusting LATSnet to handle emerging COVID-19 issues.