Penn State will extend its upcoming winter break for full-time employees out of appreciation for their work, the university announced late last week.

Employees who work regular hours from Monday to Friday will receive two full weeks of paid time off beginning on December 20 and continuing through December 31.

Because of the extended time off, Penn State offices and operations will close for winter break on December 17, 2021, with essential services staying open. Offices are set to reopen on January 3, 2022.

Penn State President Eric Barron said the university’s extension comes as a way to thank employees for working hard through responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“University leaders recognize the immense contributions of all employees during the past two years in working to safeguard the health of the University community, serve customers with excellence, and advance the University’s strategic goals,” Barron said in a release. “We thank you all.”

Usually, full-time employees’ break would begin December 23 and run through December 29. The hope is that the extended break will help support the employees who have worked hard through the pandemic.

“Our staff members have faced so many challenges this year, with many taking on new tasks and continuing to manage heavy workloads since the start of the pandemic,” said Lorraine Goffe, vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer. “We appreciate the tremendous dedication we have seen from staff members, and we hope an extended break this holiday season will support the wellbeing of our employees after an especially busy year.”