Connect Newsletter
Aug. 25, 2026 |
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 Labor Day Holiday Does Not Change Payroll Deadlines
As the Labor Day holiday approaches, team members and leaders are reminded that payroll processing deadlines remain unchanged. To ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, all payroll-related submissions, approvals and corrections must be completed by the established deadlines on Payroll Monday, Sept. 7. Payroll Monday Deadlines: Sept. 7, 202610 a.m. - All adjustment forms, including TCA, PCA and PCX forms, must be submitted.
Noon - All pending corrections submitted directly through UKG must be reviewed and approved or refused.
- Deadline for timecard approval.
Managers should note that timecards cannot be signed off if they contain pending transactions that have not been reviewed, approved or refused. Any transactions still pending in UKG at noon on Payroll Monday will be denied. Corrections for denied transactions must be submitted using a PCA form and will be processed in the next payroll cycle. On-demand payments are not issued for late or unapproved transactions in UKG. Helpful RemindersTo help ensure accurate payroll processing: - Verify that employee work schedules have been entered in UKG. PTO, jury duty and bereavement requests submitted without a work schedule may result in zero hours being paid.
- Approve exempt employee timecards and PTO requests as early as possible.
- Employees should review their timecards weekly to ensure accuracy.
- Nonexempt employees should enter missed punches as soon as they occur to allow time for review and approval before payroll deadlines.
Meeting these deadlines will help ensure timely and accurate payroll processing during the holiday period. If you have any questions, please email CPayroll@cookchildrens.org |
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 Last Week to Complete the Your Voice Matters Survey: Open through Sept. 1
This is the last week to complete the Your Voice Matters Survey, closing on Sept. 1. We are currently at 62% of employee participation, but our goal is to reach more than 75% completion. It is important for us to hear from you about your work experience. Your survey input helps to drive real improvements that enhance our team, patient and safety/quality experiences at Cook Children’s. It’s easy to take the survey: See the email you received from Press Ganey today – or click here to take the survey. You can also go to the CookNet homepage scroll and click the banner to go directly to the survey. Use your employee identification number as your password. Tip: add a leading zero(s) if your identification number is fewer than six digits. (For example: 9999 = 009999.) Questions about the Your Voice Matters survey? Visit the CookNet survey page or email teamexperience@cookchildrens.org. |
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 Watch Now: Stephen Kimmel's Summer 2026 Town Hall Financial Update
If you were unable to attend the Aug. 13 Town Hall or would like to revisit the topics discussed, recordings of individual segments will be available to watch on demand over the next few newsletters. We'll be sharing these highlights in upcoming editions of the Connect Newsletter, beginning with the opening portion of the program. This featured segment includes President and CEO Rick W. Merrill's opening remarks, a reflection from Jennifer Hayes, Director of Spiritual Care, and an important financial update from Stephen Kimmel, Executive Vice President, System Finance. Stephen shares insights on Cook Children's financial performance and the health care environment. Watch the segment to hear Stephen's financial update and revisit these important Town Hall highlights. |
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 Welcome Pat Furr, CTO
Please join us in welcoming Pat Furr, MBA, CBCP, to Cook Children’s as our new Chief Technology Officer.
Pat is a proven technology leader with deep experience in transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and digital innovation across health care and Fortune 500 organizations. More importantly, he is a leader who understands that the true value of technology lies in empowering caregivers and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. “I’m excited to join Cook Children’s and lead technology forward - connecting innovation and purpose to advance our mission and transform care for every child and family we serve," Pat said.
Teresa Tonthat, Chief Digital & Information Officer, adds, “As we continue advancing the health and well-being of every child, Pat will help create seamless, connected experiences that better support our caregivers and the children and families who rely on us.” |
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 Kick Off Football Season in Style
Are you ready for some football? To celebrate the start of the college football season, employees are invited to wear their favorite college football team jersey to work from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Sunday, Aug. 30. Show off your team spirit and get ready for a great season! |
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 Registration Is Still Open for Drug Diversion Symposium on Friday
Registration is still open for the 2026 Drug Diversion Symposium on Friday, August 28. Seats remain available for both the Early Morning Session (6:30 to 7:30 a.m.) and the Full-Day Symposium (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Please note that seating in Hochberger Auditorium will be available a first-come, first-served basis. An overflow room will be available in Pavilion 1 for additional attendees. Breakfast will be provided for all attendees, and lunch will be available for participants attending the full-day symposium. Registration links: Please click here to watch a video to learn more about the symposium and what to expect. |
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Share Your Content with UsDo you have any tips, ideas or content you would like us to know about? We want to hear from you! Please view our SharePoint site and email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website. |
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