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 […]
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 […]
It is fair to assume that most small businesses took out a PPP loan with the plan to have the loan forgiven. Many looked at the ambiguous requirements to get the loan forgiveness and concluded that it was too good of a deal to pass up and it was anticipated that forgiveness details would be cleared up by the time small businesses were ready to make the request of lenders. Late on May 15th, 2020 […]
The recent implementation of Phase I reopening in Oregon may have brought about changes in your operations. You may have, or may be planning to re-open your business, or deciding to let the general public in your front doors. As we get used to the new normal, Cardinal would like to highlight some concerns and resources. You may have already viewed and addressed some sections so feel free to skip ahead to the relevant one(s).
