The impact of COVID-19 varies in the states across our country and the regions within each state. Reopenings have begun in many states, and yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the four-stage reopening plan for our neighbors in New York. Here in Massachusetts, businesses anxiously await Governor Baker's announcement of what to expect in Massachusetts after May 18th.   Following are tools and resources to help your business plan for your reopening or the further operation changes needed in your business if you have been essential and operating at some capacity during this time. These can be adapted and amended to reflect your specific operations or used as a reference to ensure your plan addresses all necessary aspects. Also, we thought you may find this helpful You’ve Been Approved for a Paycheck Protection Program Loan. Now What? Our team is here to help. Please let us know how we can assist you. .

FREE ACCESS TO THINKHR We would like to extend free access to ThinkHR to our business clients while you face so many changes and transitions in your operations as a result of COVID-19. ThinkHR provides a suite of HR services at your fingertips, including:   Live Advisors - Senior SPHR and PHR certified advisors to provide trustworthy guidance to prevent and resolve challenging people situations and compliance issues via phone and email.  Living Handbook - A federal- and state-level compliant handbook builder that allows the incorporation of unique company policies and delivers policy update alerts as regulations change Comply - An extensive resource library including insightful guides, comprehensive checklists, and other resources to navigate HR, compliance, safety, and PRM issues. Learn - A learning management system to provide courses on a variety of topics so you can adhere to compliance mandates, improve safety, foster professional development, and improve employee engagement.  Live Webinars - hear from the advisors on current and pressing HR matters. ThinkHR is hosting a live one hour webinar this Wednesday May 6th at 12:00 pm - Compliance atters: Layouffs, Furloughs, and Recalls (and COVID-19 update). Register here  If you do not currently have your business set up to access ThinkHR through our agency, please contact us , and we would be happy to establish your account as needed to utilize the above.

HR Toolkit There is so much fluid information available on what has and continues to evolve as a result of COVID-19. This HR Toolkit consolidates much of this information and resources to date, including vital information on new federal laws such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, CARES Act, HIPAA privacy considerations, layoffs and furloughs, tax credits and much more.   Note, due to the developing nature of the pandemic, the guidance in this toolkit will likely require updating. We will make every effort to provide the most accurate, timely information regarding COVID-19.

Wearing Facial Coverages The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) advises that face coverings should be worn in public, including places of employment.   Governor Baker issued an order requiring face masks or cloth face coverings be worn in public areas - both indoor and outdoor - when social distancing is not possible. (exceptions are children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear due to medical condition). This order takes effect on May 6th.   There are many questions about the differences between masks and face coverings, and which is appropriate to wear. By familiarizing yourself with best practices related to masks and face coverings in the workplace, you can educate employees, make the best decisions for your operations, and help prevent the spread of COVID-1 ,  Read more

Practice & Policy Considerations in Advance of Return to Work

Prolonged Remote Work Consider augmenting existing remote work policies, or creating a new robust remote work policy that specified which positions are permitted to telework on a more permanent basis and the procedures for ensuring their continued success.   Social Distancing in the Office Everything from the number of individuals allowed in meeting rooms to the general office layout may need to be altered.   Screening Employees Temperatures The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has provided guidance that allows employers to ask workers about potential COVID-19 symptoms and take their temperatures so long as the practice is not discriminatory.   Use of Facemasks An organization should consider what types of services they provide and adhere to local guidance /orders regarding the use of face masks or coverings. While masks can help prevent the spread of COVID, consideration should be made to the type of masks needed leaving critical supplies for healthcare workers.   Leave Policies Federal laws like the Families FIrst Coronavirus Relief Act have drastically altered the leave landscape. Additional many state and local paid sick leave laws have been modified based on COVID-19 related absences. Employers must consider whether their existing policies need modification to ensure compliance with such changes.

Guide to Creating a Return to Work Action Plan This guide can be used as a tool to create a return to work action plan in preparation for reopening your business. Please note that it follows health and safety guidance laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and OSHA, but does not account for state, local or industry-specific guidance related to COVID-19.

Sample Return to Work Action Plan This sample return to work action plan serves as an example plan for businesses to use as a template when preparing their own plans for reopening their business following the coronavirus pandemic. It does not account for state, local or industry-specific guidance related to COVID-19, but follows the guidance laid out by the CDC and OSHA that is designed to keep employers, employees and customers safe. It can be adapted and amended to be specific to your operations. For a plan specific to retail operations, refer here

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