January 25, 2002

The iBridge project, which is a web-based human resources, payroll and timekeeping software system, will be launched hospitalwide in February. Supervisors and managers then will have desktop access to human resources and payroll information at their Partners workstations. In the near future, employees also will be able to perform routine tasks such as changing an address or updating emergency contact information, either at their desktops or at kiosk terminals in the Human Resources or Payroll departments.

Some policies and practices will be affected by the new system. For example, employees can expect to see a new look for their paychecks. Paychecks still will be in a self-seal format but will have more details, including some new names for line items. Samples of the new style will be available to employees prior to their receiving the first reformatted check.

Once iBridge is implemented, timekeepers no longer will have to make decisions about the application of pay policies. The timekeeping system has been programmed with all the necessary rules and regulations, such as hours eligible for off-shift differential, overtime, etc. The calculations will be made consistently and will adhere to labor laws and MGH policies.

Because of the new functions offered in the iBridge system, some options such as advanced vacation/earned time no longer will be available. Earned time accruals will be made after the current week's hours have been paid. Questions about pay and human resources policies may be directed to supervisors, managers or Partners Human Resources Department generalists.

Once iBridge has been launched, plans will begin for the self-service system for employees. This system will allow MGHers to access and update their records through a website. More information about the rollout of employee self-service will be available at a later date.