19 Oct

Posted at 19:47h in COVID-19, Risk Management by . .

Legal Update HeaderOn Sept. 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) extended its COVID-19 drug and alcohol testing guidance to Dec. 31, 2020.

The extended guidance allows substance abuse professionals (SAPs) to perform remote assessments and evaluations and lengthens the requalification timeline for service agents through the end of the year. This guidance provides SAPs and other service agents with the flexibility they need to help employers comply with existing DOT drug and alcohol regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

19 Oct

Posted at 19:17h in COVID-19, Risk Management by . .

News Brief headerIn a recent call with U.S. governors, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield warned that small gatherings are increasingly becoming a source for COVID-19 infections.

Redfield said that, importantly, there is a higher degree of vigilance and mitigation steps in many jurisdictions. However, the spread of infection specifically through small household gatherings is currently an “increasing threat,” as the CDC reports that many states are seeing increases in COVID-19 cases. The CDC is focusing its attention on small gatherings as experts warn of the potential for a surge in COVID-19 cases over the winter.

16 Oct

Posted at 19:45h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed many aspects of the modern workplace—and some of those changes may continue in perpetuity after the pandemic is over. One aspect that falls into this category is paid leave programs.

Many employers across the country are changing paid leave programs to comply with applicable federal, state or local guidelines during the pandemic and support employees through these challenging times. In fact, according to data from Mercer, 49% of surveyed employers have adjusted their sick leave programs due to COVID-19-related absences and about 12% have expanded employees’ time off to show their appreciation.

16 Oct

Posted at 19:34h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

Legal Update HeaderOn Oct. 13, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a new set of answers to frequently asked questions about the forgiveness of loans issued under the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

The PPP was created by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as a response to the current COVID-19 pandemic and was designed to provide a direct incentive for employers to keep their workers on the payroll. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

16 Oct

Posted at 19:30h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

The need for social distancing has put a pause on normal socializing activities, like family get-togethers, restaurant outings and music concerts.

As the pandemic continues, social distancing doesn’t need to mean social isolation. If you don’t address it, isolation and loneliness during the pandemic may pose a risk to your mental health.

Why It Matters

Social connectivity is the feeling of closeness and connectedness to a community. Every connection has a lasting impact on our physical and mental health—so it’s especially important during this time to focus on connectivity to support both yourself and others in your community.

15 Oct

Posted at 23:36h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

HR Insights Blog HeaderIn the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, working parents are now being forced to contend with their children’s new school routines.

Unfortunately, these routines will be varied by school, with little universal guidance. The uncertainty surrounding these routines and their impact on working parents will undoubtedly have ripple effects in the workplace.