HR Newsletter: State Updates for Employee COVID-19 Leave Requirements

Employco USA

COVID-19

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, states have passed new laws and issued new regulations and guidance about employee leave taken for COVID-19 reasons. These provisions are in addition to the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, passed on March 18th as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

In general, employee leave permitted under new state COVID-19 rules and guidance varies with respect to factors like which employers and employees are covered by the leave, the length and purpose of the leave, whether the leave is compensated and at what rate, and whether the leave is provided under a new law or rule, or covered under an existing provision.

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HR Newsletter: New Study – Majority of WFH Employees Don’t Want to Return to the Post-COVID Workplace

Employco USA

Work from Home

With vaccines rolling out across the country and millions of Americans preparing for a post-COVID reality, research suggests that many people would rather continue working from home than returning to the office. A new ‘Return to Workplace Survey’ from Envoy has found that 66% of employees say that they fear for their health and safety, and nearly 48% say they would prefer a hybrid schedule in which they can continue to work from home a few days a week.

But is the desire to continue working virtually rooted in a fear of the virus or is it a preference for flexibility and the ease of working at home?

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HR Newsletter: (COVID-19) Can You Ask Employees if They’ve Been Vaccinated?

Employco USA

Vaccine Question

Yes, employers are generally allowed to ask workers if they have been vaccinated. Companies are often times interested in employees’ vaccination status because it sheds light on return to work and social distancing planning, customer and co-worker safety, and possible employer-provided incentives for employees to get vaccinated.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has provided guidance indicating that not only can employers ask about vaccination status, employers can also ask for proof.

In situations where the employer is asking for employees’ vaccination status, we recommend the following:

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What Employers Need to Know About the American Rescue Plan

Employco USA

Employment trends expert Rob Wilson discusses Biden’s Rescue Plan and what it means for companies

American Rescue PlanPresident Biden’s ‘American Rescue Plan’ includes several key changes to employment-related categories. It’s crucial for employers to become educated about how these changes will impact their policies moving forward.

“Now is the time that employers should prepare for these upcoming changes,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert. “There are many modifications to the FFRCA ‘COVID Pay’ categories which will impact the way that you reimburse employees and approach things like sick leave.”

First, says Wilson, is the fact that employers now have the ability to offer employees paid leave through September 30, 2021.

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Employco USA Hires a Loss Control Manager

Employco USA

A human resource and employment solutions firm, Employco USA is pleased to announce the growing expansion of its staff. Employco’s newest team member:

Josh LoudermilkJosh Loudermilk, Loss Control Manager – Josh brings a highly coveted skill set to our team, combining years of loss control experience with a true passion for client service and care. Josh will be responsible for loss control, safety, and client services.

“I look forward to expanding my skillsets with an innovative company that will encourage me to strive in serving both our internal and external guests. Employco delivers just that, industry leading solutions and guest services in an ever-changing environment. I am excited to be part of an amazing team of professionals – with a company that values their colleagues.” -Josh Loudermilk

For more information, please contact Rob Wilson at (630) 286-7345 or robwilson@employco.com.

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Breaking Study: Almost 50% Of American Workers Report Alcohol, Substance Abuse Issues

Employco USA

Employment trends expert Rob Wilson discusses new study and how employers can facilitate a healthier work environment

Substance AbuseA new study has found that nearly 50% of American workers are currently struggling with substance and alcohol abuse. The numbers illustrate the stark ways in which the pandemic has impacted the mental and physical health of Americans.

“The data shows that the number of workers who are reporting lower work productivity or missed workdays due to alcohol or substance abuse issues has more than doubled since 2019,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employee trends expert.

Wilson says that employers can help to protect employees from substance and alcohol abuse by enhancing their wellness programs in 2021 and taking advantage of high-tech sober support initiatives.

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HR Chat w/Employco USA: The Top 10 EEOC Complaints for 2020

Employco USA

We receive a number of questions from our clients as we consult them on a variety of HR issues.

In this video, Rob and Jason cover the top 10 EEOC complaints for 2020. They discuss retaliation complaints at number 1, down to genetic at number 10. They also outline what employers can do to be preventative, including: policy review and reinforcement, interactive discrimination and harassment training, and more.

Questions? We’re here to help, info@employco.com

New Study: Majority of WFH Employees Don’t Want to Return to the Post-COVID Workplace

Employco USA

Employment trends expert advises employers on how to handle hesitant employees

Work from Home (WFH)With vaccines rolling out across the country and millions of Americans preparing for a post-COVID reality, research suggests that many people would rather continue working from home than returning to the office. A new ‘Return to Workplace Survey’ from Envoy has found that 66% of employees say that they fear for their health and safety, and nearly 48% say they would prefer a hybrid schedule in which they can continue to work from home a few days a week.

But is the desire to continue working virtually rooted in a fear of the virus or is it a preference for flexibility and the ease of working at home?

“Previous Pew research from late 2020 found that 90 percent of people said they didn’t want to return to the workplace even after it was deemed safe to do so. So, I think employers need to prepare themselves for the reality that they are going to get a lot of pushback from employees about starting to go back to work in person,” says Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert. “Even with the vaccines and other COVID safety measures in place, the reality is that many WFH employees have simply become accustomed to the lifestyle and don’t want to return to long commutes, business attire, and other obligations that come with working in person.”

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HR Chat w/Employco USA: COVID-19 Vaccines and the Office Environment

Employco USA

We receive a number of questions from our clients as we consult them on a variety of HR issues.

In this video, Rob and Jason cover what the office environment looks like as COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out. They discuss CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated employee gatherings, employer encouragement, challenges over the next couple of months, the economy reopening, and more.

Questions? We’re here to help, info@employco.com