This article compiles expert guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Purpose

This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of households where persons under investigation or those with confirmed COVID-19 reside or may be in self-isolation. These guidelines are focused on household settings and are meant for the general public.

Legal Update HeaderOn July 21, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a decision that eases the way for employers to discipline or discharge an employee based on abusive or offensive conduct—such as racist or profane remarks— committed while the employee was also engaged in activities that are protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Uniform Standard

The decision means that, in any NLRB case in which an employee who engaged in abusive or offensive conduct claims he or she was disciplined for NLRA-protected activity, the employer may show that its adverse employment action was lawful by proving that:
  • The employee’s protected activity was not a motivating factor in the discipline or discharge; and
  • It would have taken the same action even in the absence of the protected activity (for example, by showing consistent discipline of other employees who engaged in similar conduct).

Annual Open Enrollment ChecklistOpen enrollment can be an extremely positive and rewarding experience for you and your employees.

During this unprecedented time, it’s important to review and modify employee benefits to enhance their physical, mental and financial health. Consider the following suggestions to help you prepare for a successful open enrollment period this year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wage on, its effects on benefits planning for next year are being felt—especially as open enrollment season approaches.

According to Mercer's Global Survey #5, 20% of employers surveyed said updating benefits programs to better meet employee needs was an HR area in which companies are seeing an increased need for support. In addition to considering plan design changes, employers are having to evaluate and adjust their benefits packages for 2021. Some of the most common changes being made for the 2021 enrollment season are outlined in this article.

 

Know Your Benefits HeaderThe health care system in the United States can be intricate and confusing. By understanding some of the factors that affect the care you receive and knowing how to navigate the increasingly complex health care system, you can make better decisions and ultimately receive better care.

Traditional Health Care vs. Managed Care Historically, the United States health care system consisted of a large number of independent health care providers who owned their own practices. These were either solo practices or joint practices owned by multiple physicians who practiced together in a group setting. In addition, most communities had independent, not-for-profit hospitals.

HR Insights Blog HeaderIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, day cares and schools shut their doors. Months later, child care centers remain closed in many parts of the country, which means that parents are tasked with juggling caregiving and work responsibilities.

In fact, according to a survey from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), 60% of U.S. parents report that they’ve had no outside help with child care during the pandemic.

Open enrollment following the COVID-19 pandemic will be unlike any other in recent memory.

Many organizations are still trying to recover from extended closures and maintain safe working environments—open enrollment is the last thing on their minds. Yet, procrastinating on enrollment planning can actually cause more issues than it solves. This article explains what employers can expect this enrollment period and how to prepare.

HR Insights Blog HeaderEveryone knows that name-calling, teasing and other bullying behavior is unwelcome in the workplace.

But what if the comments are veiled in humor? Jokes about “old farts” or “screen-obsessed millennials” might seem like acceptable office banter to some, but these comments may amount to ageism and could seriously impact an organization—and should be quickly snuffed out when noticed.
This article explains some of the ways offhand comments can affect a workplace and outlines steps employers can take to combat their spread.
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Open enrollment fairs are a great way for employers and benefits providers to help employees understand and enroll in the benefits programs that meet their needs.

These fairs are typically done in person, and they allow employees to learn about available benefits and discuss offerings with providers. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic may be changing what employees need for benefits, the format of open enrollment events should change, too. With open enrollment season around the corner and many organizations extending work-from-home policies, a virtual open enrollment fair may be necessary. This article explores benefits and best practices for organizations moving their open enrollment events online.