After a reasonably quiet summer, Cardinal has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 related issues. Among them, are concerns that employees are contracting the virus outside of the workplace, or have been in contact with positive COVID-19 cases. This has resulted in concerns from co-workers about how, and when these employees can return to work. Consequently, we have also seen a sudden increase in the amount of emergency paid sick leave requests. It appears this […]
Tips on keeping employees’ conversations on controversial topics civil As employees return to the workplace, there may be heated discussions among co-workers concerning the upcoming elections, current events, or the pandemic. Due to this, arguments and outright hostilities may erupt. If tempers flare during these heated discussions, supervisors will need to know how to handle the situation. To reduce the potential for heated discussions, it is essential to have a policy in place regarding political […]
Labor Laws are now addressing specific reimbursement policies for remote workers During the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, at least 45 states and numerous local governments adopted shelter-in-place orders that required people to remain at home, except for when providing essential services. This caused an unprecedented number of employees to work remotely—a necessary arrangement that allowed their employers to continue operating. The costs of working remotely have now generated new types of employee expenses. When […]
Dear HR, We are beginning to integrate employees returning to the workplace as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. We have made an exception for one employee with a disability, who will continue to work remotely. A few of our employees have voiced their displeasure with this arrangement. They think it is unfair for them to return to onsite work while one of their other co-workers continues with remote work. Without disclosing personal health information, how can […]
Get ready to have new policies in place and answer employee questions Your employees may have many questions and concerns after returning to work. It is your job, as the employer, to address these questions and concerns regarding employees’ health and safety as we face COVID-19. Below is a probable list of questions employees may ask as you reopen your business.
COVID-EXPOSURE FAQ Here is a list of immediate steps you can take to manage when an employee, customer, or worksite visitor tests positive for coronavirus or when a staff member is ordered to self-isolate due to possible exposure: Inform your management team immediately. If you are a small business, management may just be the business owner. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] has a webpage that offers the latest information concerning small businesses […]
On July 4, 2020, the period for an eligible business to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan was successfully extended. The new legislation extends the deadline for obtaining approval of a PPP loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from June 30, 2020, to August 8, 2020.
Guidance for all employers, employees, and the public. · Mask Guidance (for all counties) – Info on which businesses must comply, guidance on face coverings, and OSHA information for customers and visitors. · “Masks Required” Sign for Businesses – Downloadable sign to print for public display. · Face Covering Facts – Printable flyer for face-covering tips. · Reopening Guidance FAQs – Mask and Face Covering Guidance for Business, Transit, and the Public (Updated 6-10-2020
On June 5th, 2020 a third Payroll Protection Program (PPP) was signed into law. The first PPP ran out of funding after two weeks and the second devoted more money to the program. This third iteration gives employers greater flexibility on how to spend the funds AND how to get those funds forgiven. Here are some key takeaways: Loan Forgiveness Expansion If you wanted the loan forgiven, the original law gave borrowers 8 weeks to spend […]
7/01/2020 through 6/30/2021 Non-Urban Counties – $11.50 per hour State Base Rate – $12.00 per hour Portland Urban Growth Boundary – $13.25 per hour Not sure what section your county is in? Click here.