WORKPLACE SAFETY WITH COVID-19

Workplaces have changed drastically in the last few months. Each company has had to assess the
workplace and determine how it will modify to mitigate coronavirus risks. Some companies are
choosing to split the workforce into shifts to limit the number of people in the building at one time.
Others are allowing their employees to work from home when possible. Some are rotating who is in the
office on any given day or week. All companies are looking at workstations to determine how best to
ensure the safety of employees.

While a lot has changed over the past 5 months, we must stay focused on the constants. Maintaining a
healthy environment for employees is definitely at the top of the list of priorities for companies.
Companies need to be aware that the efforts they take to ensure workplace safety will impact the types
of candidates they attract, their turnover rate, as well as the productivity of their employees.
Often a cost/benefit analysis is used to determine the viability of proposed changes to the workplace.
Included in the benefits must be turnover costs if employees do not feel safe, increased labor
costs/overtime for well employees when an employee needs to be out due to quarantine or illness.

Another cost to consider is loss of productivity. An employee who is stressed about the risk of exposure
in the workplace will be less productive than an employee who feels safe in their environment.
Some employers are reluctant to fully, or even partially, embrace a remote workforce model. In some
industries, it is simply not effective. However, if your industry supports a remote workforce model, it
could be an excellent way for you to boost morale and show your concern for the individual’s health and
safety.

Safety is a huge concern not only for companies but for employees. COVID-19 has created such a huge
shift in thinking, and it is critical that companies communicate well about policies and procedures that
are being put in place to support the health and safety of employees.


By: Millie Springer
Director of Human Resources

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OSHA'S UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYERS

Image
 Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) recently updated its  COVID-19 guidelines  to help employers navigate a world with vaccinated and unvaccinated employees. In its updated guidelines, OSHA has emphasized guidelines for non-healthcare-related industries that typically involve close-quartered contact for extended periods, such as retail, food-service, and other essential positions. OSHA has stated that fully vaccinated people do not need to take all of the precautions that unvaccinated employees must. The guidance focuses mainly on identifying those employees who are at-risk in the workplace and unvaccinated. Who are the at-risk workers? Those who have conditions that prevent them from having a full-immune response to vaccinations. Workers with disabilities; under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), workers with disabilities may be entitled to accommodations to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19.  Those workers that cannot be protected from a vaccina
Read more

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND THE TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE PROVIDE INSIGHT ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRES

Image
  he  Texas Department of Insurance  and the  Texas A&M Forest Service  recently collaborated on a live stream covering wildfires and the impacts from the  historic freeze . The freeze has set plants and agriculture back a bit as we are not seeing the green of spring as much as we are accustomed to. Even with this setback, wildfires are still prevalent in Texas; it is important for homeowners to take easy, uncostly, steps to help prevent wildfires and protect their homes. Things as simple as: Cleaning out gutters Cleaning out plant beds Getting rid of vegetation that died Checking attic fence to make sure its properly screened in  Creating a defensible space around your home (30-foot space around your home) If you encounter a wildfire, safely evacuate your home and call 911 immediately. For information about active wildfires in Texas, visit  https://texashelp.tamu.edu/browse/by-type/naturally-occurring/fires-wildfires/ .  For more information about how to protect your home from wil
Read more

Roth IRA vs. 401(k): Which is Right for Me?

Image
It's Finance-February!  Now is always the best time to prepare for your financial future, and what better way to do that than exploring retirement plans? Below, Covenant Services explores the great debate:  Roth IRA vs. 401(k). Benefits of a 401(k) Beginning your journey toward retirement savings should start by becoming informed. Understanding the benefits offered from a Roth IRA and a 401k is a great first step.  A traditional 401K has the benefit of tax-deductible contributions. This means the money you earned and investing in a 401k won't be taxed. A 401k is a great option for higher-wage earners looking to pay taxes later when they have lower incomes.  For many, especially those new to investing, a company's retirement plan can be a valuable tool to build a stable financial future. To help guide you toward which is the right option for you, here are five benefits to a 401(k) plan.  1. Tax Advantages: Contributions made to a traditional 401(k) plan are taken directly fr
Read more