Coronavirus - Things to Consider
Flu A…Flu B…Coronavirus.
The CDC expects flu activity to be at high levels through March and are now saying, while not to panic, businesses, schools, and households should begin preparations for the coronavirus. Among the CDC’s recommendations to help minimize the spread of these serious illnesses is for people to stay home when they are sick.
There are several factors to consider when dealing with employees who are or whose family members are sick or in quarantine. In addition to any paid time off benefits you may offer, there are several regulatory requirements to consider, with you often having to manage multiple laws at the same time.
Large employers (50 or more employees):
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): FMLA provides qualified employees up to 12 weeks (in most cases) of unpaid job- and benefit-protection that usually runs concurrently with any paid time off. There are very strict requirements for employers to follow regarding notification, tracking, and documentation to stay in compliance so timely response and accurate tracking are crucial.
State family and medical leave laws: Some states have laws similar to FMLA which may have different parameters including longer leave times and different look-back periods. These run concurrently with FMLA.
|
|
|
|
Mid-size employers (15 or more employees):
Americans with Disabilities Act and the Amendments Act of 2008 (ADA and ADAAA): ADA and ADAAA requires that employers offer reasonable accommodation such as a leave of absence to employees who are disabled, even if temporarily.
All or most employers:
State and local sick leave laws: While there is no federal law mandating sick time, 11 states and several other cities and counties have implemented such laws covering most employers with variations in amount of time and if it is paid or unpaid.
State paid disability leave: Some states have paid disability laws to cover employees for extended absences. These are usually run through the state, but employers must notify employees of the benefit and may need to assist them with paperwork.
While inconvenient, consider requiring employees to stay home if they are sick to protect the rest of your employees. Another consideration is to allow sick employees to work from home, if possible, until they are symptom-free.
If you find yourself having to address an employee’s long-term absence due to illness, please reach out to Affinity HR Group to help walk you through your options and requirements.
|
|
|
|
|
That Affinity HR Group is WA's endorsed HR provider? And that we can help you recruit for your next rock star employee for a fraction of the price of a typical recruiter?
Affinity HR Group isn't a head hunter - they are an organization builder. When working with Affinity, it feels like I'm their one and only client. I really appreciate the personalized experience and the solid results.
Kevin O’Brien
President | Ethix Corporation
And Affinity can ensure your HR practices and policies are compliant and costs a fraction of the price of other national providers, such as Paychex and ADP.
The money we spent on working with Affinity HR Group was some of the best money we've spent all year. We have really had an opportunity to implement strategies that take into consideration our behavioral differences. I feel it is one of the best things we did for each other. Thank you, Affinity!
Richard Stienstra
President | BRIDGE Inc.
We know your space!
Call us today!
|
|
|
|
|
Ask a Recruiting Specialist!
Is the tight labor market making it hard for you to find good talent? Call us today to schedule a consultation with our recruiting team! Help is just a phone call away!
877-660-6400
|
|
|
|
The Monday HR Minute, brought to you by the Wallcoverings Association and its human resources partner Affinity HR Group, is designed to provide you with practical, applicable human resources and management advice and information in a format that will take you 60 seconds or less to read. We believe that by dedicating just one minute a week to thinking about people management practices, business owners and managers can make enormous strides in improving workplace performance. |
|
|
Affinity HR Group is a full service human resources consulting firm that specializes in advising small and medium-sized enterprises. Our services include recruiting and selection, HR policies and compliance, ad hoc HR support, compensation and performance management, and training and development. As an endorsed HR partner of WA, Affinity HR Group offers the association's member companies free initial consultations and discounted services.
Email us at contact@affinityhrgroup.com or call 877-660-6400.
|
|
|
|
|
