Site current as of January 13, 2023

Below you will find information and links to the most current policies, practices, guidance and a list of additional COVID-19 resources. ​​Scroll down for the latest information and updates. ​

​Report a Positive COVID-19 Case

All SPE employees can report a positive COVID-19 case by filling out the below form:

COVID-19 Confirmed Case Form.

​COVID-19 Safety Protocols FAQs

To view SPE's most updated COVID-19 protocols, click the below link:

COVID-19 Safety Protocols FAQs.

Benefits

VACCINES
SPE requires all non-union employees working on-site at U.S. offices to be fully vaccinated. If you need to take time during work hours for an appointment, feel free to do that. For information about how to record this paid time off, please reach out to P&O Employee Direct (po_employeedirect@spe.sony.com or 310-244-7062) or your P&O Business Partner. You can read more about the benefits of vaccination on the CDC website. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to protect the health of you, your family, and the community. For additional questions, please contact your P&O partner. 

Vaccines and boosters are now offered on the studio lot on the first Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the SPE medical department. (No appointment is necessary, and you will have a choice of Moderna or Pfizer.)  Visit mySPE for more information.

EAP
As the world is transitioning, it is normal to have feelings of uncertainty and a range of emotions. All SPE employees and their family members have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and can speak with a licensed counselor, free of charge, for up to eight (8) sessions. Employees in the U.S. can learn more about the program here or by calling 240.558.5796. Employees outside of the U.S. can learn more here. 

HEALTH PLANS - TELEMEDICINE
(U.S. Employees Only) -  If you are enrolled in Sony's medical plan, you have the option of using some of the plan's "virtual" benefits before seeking in-person medical care.  Both Aetna and Kaiser have trained medical staff who are available to speak with you to answer your basic medical questions at no charge:

  • Aetna members can call the Aetna Informed Health Line at 1-800-556-1555
  • Kaiser members can call Member Services Line at 1-800-464-4000


In addition, telemedicine allows you to consult with a physician by phone or video and is available to you as follows:

  • Aetna members may consult a physician via Teladoc (1-855-835-2362; Teladoc.com; or the Teladoc app), 24 hours a day/7 days a week, to discuss their symptoms. 
  • Kaiser members may access telemedicine by calling the Kaiser Appointments Line at 1-800-290-5000 or visit kp.org/getcare. At the time you make your appointment, you will be offered the option of a telehealth visit if is appropriate based on your situation. 
     

Both of the options above can help you determine whether you need to seek in-person care.  Of course, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should consult your primary care physician or go to the nearest emergency room.

For all other questions about your medical plans, Aetna members can call the Aetna Concierge Line at 1-888-385-1053 and Kaiser members can call the Kaiser Member Line at 1-800-464-4000.

Return to Workplace Information

RETURN TO WORKPLACE (L.A. LOCATIONS)
Below are details about SPE's return to the lot and other L.A. locations. Details for offices around the world are being communicated directly to employees. The timing and method for how each of our offices will transition back is dependent on several factors, including ongoing guidance from health and government officials. But the common thread running through every plan is that they will all be gradual in order to proceed safely.

Please refer to the latest FAQs and Return to Workplace Training Guide posted here.

A Return to Workplace Toolkit is available to view here and to download here. 

U.S. OFFICES RETURN 

Following current data and trends in the markets in which we operate, U.S. offices made their return to the workplace on March 14, 2022. 

As you all know, conditions related to the pandemic can shift quickly. We will continue to monitor health and government guidance, and if circumstances change, we will adjust our return plans accordingly if necessary. Dates and conditions vary by region and country so be sure to watch for information specific to offices outside the U.S. from local leadership and P&O/Security & Safety. 

Employees have the option of flexible work schedules to adjust as we all transition back. During this transition, employees will be expected to be in the office at least three days per week with the option of working up to two days per week remotely. Employees who opt to work remotely one or two days per week should discuss and set schedules with their managers. This transition period will run through Labor Day (September 5, 2022). 

For Los Angeles-based employees, the following must be completed before must be completed before returning to workplace:

  • If you have not done so already, all non-union employees will be required to verify their vaccination status and complete a brief RTW training session to gain access to the lot and LA locations. The training session provides comprehensive required information for your return, including safety protocols.
  • As a reminder, vaccines and boosters are offered on the studio lot the first Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the SPE medical department. (You can make an appointment here; walk-ins are also accepted. You will have a choice of Moderna or Pfizer).
  • If you have not visited your office yet, please plan for at least one day in the office prior to our March return to pick up your vaccine verification sticker, acclimate yourself with your workspace, and troubleshoot possible IT, administrative, or facilities challenges. 
  • The industry's Return To Work Agreement remains in effect in production areas and for covered union and guild members.

For all other US employees, the following must be completed before must be completed before returning to workplace:

  • If you have not done so already, all non-union employees will be required to verify their vaccination status, subject to local requirements, and complete any training required in their location. Please follow instructions on these requirements provided by your local leadership or P&O. 
  • For vaccines and boosters, Aetna and CVS Pharmacy can help you schedule appointments here.

UPDATE: VACCINES REQUIRED IN U.S. OFFICES
SPE will require all non-union employees working on-site at U.S. offices to be fully vaccinated. 

VACCINE VERIFICATION PROCESS
Culver City-based employees can choose to verify their vaccination status in person or virtually via Teams. Please see additional details below. If you have questions, contact PO_EmployeeDirect@spe.sony.com or your local P&O partner.

IN PERSON VACCINE VERIFICATION

  1. Sign up here to start the process. (Note: Please do not use Internet Explorer as it is not compatible with this link.)
  2. Next, visit the Studio Service Center on Main Street and bring the following three items with you:
    1. Confirmation email you receive once you sign up
    2. Your SPE Badge
    3. Your Vaccine Card (digital or hard copy)
       

VIRTUAL VACCINE VERIFCATION (VIA TEAMS) 

  1. Sign up here to start the process. (Note: Please do not use Internet Explorer as it is not compatible with this link.)
  2. Email vaccine_verification@spe.sony.com to set up a time to verify via Teams, which typically takes less than 5 minutes. Please include three times when you are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Same day appointments can be accommodated. We will set up the meeting time and confirm via email.
  3. Be prepared to have your camera on with three items ready to share during the Teams meeting:
    1. Confirmation email you receive once you sign up
    2. Your SPE Badge
    3. Your Vaccine Card (digital or hard copy)


Once you complete these steps for in-person or virtual verifications, please visit the Studio Service Center on Main Street to receive a verification sticker to be attached to your employee badge. Hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Studio Service Center will be providing lanyards or clips for all employees so that badges can remain visible.

MASKS
As you have likely seen, reflecting the significant decrease in COVID cases over the last several weeks, the CDC and Los Angeles County have updated their masking guidance. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lifted most of its indoor mask requirements for public settings, but at the same time, strongly recommends wearing masks in many indoor spaces and crowded settings. Click here to find the most recent L.A. County guidance regarding masks. Here on the lot in Culver City, we will be following similar guidance.

Starting with our return on March 14, fully vaccinated employees will no longer be required to wear masks indoors. There are, however, some important exceptions: 

  • Unvaccinated employees who have approved accommodations to return must continue to wear masks unless they are alone in an office or other private setting.
  • Employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement that requires wearing masks must continue to mask at work.
  • Certain locations on the lot including the gym, food services, and theaters are covered by specific local requirements. Please follow posted signage.
  • There may be certain events or meetings designated by the company as requiring masks (e.g., crowded settings, accommodation of high-risk participants, etc.). Please watch and follow instructions on invitations and posted signage, and consult with P&O and Safety and Security regarding when such designations may be appropriate.
     

Aside from these exceptions and barring any changes in COVID conditions in L.A. County, masking on the lot will now be a personal choice.

We recognize that this is a significant change after the last two years of varying masking restrictions. If employees are more comfortable wearing masks, then they are, of course, free to continue doing so. No employees should feel obligated or pressured to remove their face mask while in the office if they don't feel comfortable. We ask that everyone stay mindful and respectful of your colleagues and their comfort levels during this period of adjustment over the coming weeks.

Since conditions and local health guidance varies per region, other SPE offices outside Culver City will receive updates from their local P&O or Safety and Security teams.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your P&O partner. 

RESOURCES
Please find below links and contact information to helpful resources available to you.

 - P&O Employee Direct: Staffed during U.S. business hours (9 a.m.  – 6 p.m. PT), this team is available for employees globally at PO_EmployeeDirect@spe.sony.com or at +1 310-244-7062.

 - The Studio Service Center: For all facilities and security-related items including badge requests, door access, pantry services, parking inquiries, security escorts, temperature control and visitor pass requests. (24 hour coverage Monday – Friday with hours on Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. PT.) StudioServiceCenter@spe.sony.com or x4-4SSC.

​What You Can Do​​​ To Stay Informed​

In order for us to be able to reach you, we ask that you review and update your contact information in Workday so that it is available to P&O and AlertSPE, our emergency notification system. You should also update your emergency contacts in Workday. You can access AlertSPE using this link.

Bookmark the following sites to stay up to date on a variety of topics:
Conference Rooms and Meeting Equipment
SPE Policies and Guidelines
Updated Gate Hours
Return to Workplace FAQs

Additional Information

  • P&O Employee Direct – Staffed during U.S. business hours (9 a.m.  – 6 p.m. PDT), this team is available for employees globally at PO_EmployeeDirect@spe.sony.com or at +1 310-244-7062.
     
  • Global Security Operations Center – This team is also available to answer employee, production and visitor-related questions and after-hours in the U.S. You can reach them at GSOC@spe.sony.com or by phone at +1 310-244-5505.
     
  • Information Security – The Sony Pictures InfoSec team is asking all employees to be aware of potential phishing attempts related to COVID-19.  Several cybersecurity companies have begun spotting phishing campaigns using coronavirus themed messaging.  When emotions run high, cybercriminals will attempt to exploit this to gain access to networks.  If you receive any communication regarding the coronavirus that asks you to take a specific action, verify the authenticity of the sender. If you suspect that a message may be malicious, report it immediately using the report phishing button or by sending the message as an attachment to phishing@spe.sony.com.