The calendar says flu season is simply across the nook. The nationwide well being emergency from COVID-19 ended on Might 11, 2023, however the sickness remains to be right here. And RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a priority presently for sure demographics. How do these sicknesses have an effect on what you are promoting insurance policies? Now is an efficient time to give attention to this query.
Dealing with COVID-19
The top of the nationwide well being emergency signifies that employers are not required to cowl some providers associated to COVID-19 (reminiscent of diagnostic testing, together with over-the-counter checks) for free of charge to staff, however can nonetheless select to take action. Moreover, among the flexibility that was supplied to increase the timeframes for individuals for sure well being plan-related deadlines, reminiscent of particular enrollment, COBRA election and cost, and claims and appeals deadlines, lapsed on July 10, 2023 (i.e., they don’t apply from July 11 on).
Inform staff what their well being plan does and doesn’t cowl (e.g., after they’ll must make a co-pay). Additionally remind them of relevant deadlines for actions associated to the plan now that the particular guidelines expired.
Examine state-level tips
Even when there’s no federal mandate for any motion, you should still be topic to sure state-level rules. For instance, in California’s OSHA adopted rules for non-emergency COVID-19 prevention, which run to December 15, 2024 (and may very well be prolonged). Among the many necessities that employers should meet is offering face coverings and COVID-19 testing out there to staff for free of charge.
Put together for respiratory infections within the office
Along with COVID-19, the flu and RSV are respiratory sicknesses that may simply unfold amongst staff within the office. What are you able to do? The Nationwide Establishment for Occupational Security and Well being has some recommendations:
Examine the air flow in your constructing.
Think about using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to kill viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms. Some companies put in UVGI throughout the pandemic, however others can nonetheless do it. The price of this tools is tax deductible.
Clear and disinfect widespread surfaces (e.g., areas within the break room; the copier).
Discourage “presenteeism”
This apply—the alternative of absenteeism—happens when staff who’re sick come to work. It’s been reported that 65% of staff present up even when unwell. They will unfold germs, inflicting different staff to change into unwell, and certain aren’t as productive as they might be in the event that they weren’t sick.
Probably the greatest methods to discourage presenteeism is to have sick day coverage. In line with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77% of the non-public sector workforce have paid sick time. There isn’t a federal legislation requiring employers to pay staff for sick days, aside from for federal contractors. (The federal Household and Medical Depart Act, which applies to corporations with 50 or extra staff, solely addresses unpaid go away time.)
Numerous states, together with Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, in addition to the District of Columbia and a variety of cities, have legal guidelines requiring paid sick days. Beneath sick paid legal guidelines, staff usually accrue sick days primarily based on their hours labored (e.g., one hour of sick time for each 30 hours labored), with a cap on the variety of paid sick days per 12 months. California not too long ago elevated the variety of paid sick go away to 5 days. Paycor has a chart exhibiting the extent of paid sick go away within the varied jurisdictions.
Last thought
Earlier than the flu season turns into sturdy, look over what you are promoting insurance policies and practices to resolve what you are able to do to maintain staff wholesome…and assist them financially in the event that they’re not.
You could find extra info regarding COVID-19 and the office in different blogs right here.
