Benefit Changes, Lawson Self-Service to Freeze in June

As we phase out Lawson and prepare to launch Workday in July, everyone needs to be aware of a few key dates when certain activities will be halted temporarily.

These “freeze” dates are necessary so that we can get the data transitioned from our current system to the new system. It’s important that you familiarize yourself with these dates so that you can plan accordingly.

First, starting June 5, employees will no longer be able to make self-service changes to their information in Lawson. You can still view your information until Lawson shuts down June 30. But if the need arises for urgent changes involving W4s or direct deposits between June 5-30, you should contact Cook Children’s Payroll. 

Second, a freeze in changes to benefits will be in place June 10-30. For current employees, there will be no impact unless you have a Qualifying Life Event (for example: changes to household such as marriage, birth of a child or death in the family) that makes you eligible for a special enrollment period outside of annual open enrollment.

Per federal regulation, benefit elections may not be changed until the next plan year’s open enrollment, except for instances of a Qualifying Life Event. A full list of exceptions can be found in the Benefits Guide, but the more common changes are mentioned above.

If you have a qualifying event during the blackout period, contact Cook Children’s Benefits for assistance. For new hires, the last day for enrollment in Empyrean is June 9.

 We have done our best to keep these freeze periods as short as possible, and we appreciate your support and patience with this effort.