PENN-sieve

On August 7th, I had to go to an all day Orientation for new employees. The second half of the day featured a long, boring presentation on the benefits that I am entitled to as an employee. The presenter was very dry and if I did not know the basics of retirement plan and medical plan selection, I would have been lost (as many of my new colleagues were). After the presentation, I was asked to fill out an evaluation in which I was quite frank. Little did I know that I would pay for my comments later.

Two days ago, I received a copy of my paycheck stub for my first Penn State payday. The Human Resources Office did not take out any deductions for my benefits. I called my HR contact who told me that they didn't take out any money because I did not register for benefits until August 28th. I was still enrolled in benefits but just would have a double deduction from September's paycheck.

Now I ask anyone who really knows me - does waiting 21 days to sign up for benefits sound like something I would do???!!! Of course not! I signed up for benefits on August 8th! So I forwarded the enrollment confirmation email I received on August 8th back to HR because if they think I signed up on the 28th, what do they have me signed up for? I haven't heard anything back but I know from now on when I fill out evaluations I won't say anything if I don't have anything nice to say.