02 Oct

Posted at 18:26h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

HR Insights Blog HeaderEach year, the seasonal flu has a marked impact on businesses and employers, causing increased absenteeism, decreased productivity and higher health care costs. The past few flu seasons have seen high hospitalization and mortality rates, which has public health experts fearing another deadly flu season.

Unfortunately, the 2020-21 flu season isn’t the only health crisis employers and employees have to address this year. The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting the workforce, and the combination of another potentially bad flu season and the pandemic has public health experts worried. As an employer, you are well-positioned to help keep your employees healthy and minimize the impact that influenza has on your business. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends strategies to help employers fight the flu and talk to employees about what a flu season during the pandemic looks like.

02 Oct

Posted at 18:01h in COVID-19, Employee Benefits by . .

The arrival of the fall and winter months signals many things, including the beginning of flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity peaks between December and February. This means that the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t the only public health concern as we approach the winter months.

This combination has public health experts fearing a potential “twindemic” in surges of COVID-19 cases and another deadly flu season. As such, the CDC is urging the public to take action to avoid another deadly flu season and prevent further spread of COVID-19 cases.

02 Oct

Posted at 17:56h in COVID-19, Risk Management by . .

Legal Update HeaderDue to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted a waiver that extends and revises dates for commercial motor vehicle drivers’ (CMVs) licensing and medical certification.

Temporary Waivers

The waiver starts Oct. 1 and applies to certain commercial driver’s license (CDL), commercial learner’s permit (CLP), and medical certification requirements. This waiver provides the same relief as waivers that were granted on March 24 and June 15, 2020, but have since expired.

02 Oct

Posted at 17:19h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

HR Insights Blog HeaderTerminations aren’t easy, and the current pandemic is causing new challenges for the process. Conducting terminations in-person may be the standard procedure for many organizations, but with more employees working remotely than ever before, an in-person termination isn’t always feasible—or might be logistically impractical.

When conducting remote terminations, having an effective process in place can ease this difficult task and reduce risk for an employer. This article offers considerations for conducting a remote termination. Employers should ensure that those involved with terminations are aware of all applicable laws. The considerations outlined in this article are not legal advice. Laws and guidelines related to terminations may vary by locality. Employers should consult with local legal counsel for any termination-related issues.

02 Oct

Posted at 17:12h in COVID-19, HR and Operations by . .

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stigma associated with working remotely has disappeared. And, as the pandemic continues, working from home is likely to stick around.

If you haven’t already, it’s important to assess how you’re doing working from home and whether you need to make adjustments. Distractions are all around, regardless of whether you are in the workplace or in the comfort of your home. Both work settings have their own set of productivity killers, and a lot can hinge on an employee’s personal ability to avoid distractions.