COVID-19 Update: Six HR Considerations, Model Reopening Guide, Student Anxiety Up, Future of Work

May 13, 2020, 5:06 PM

(From SHRM) As employees begin to return to their workplaces after weeks under COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, employers should be prepared to communicate information regarding health and safety considerations. Employment attorneys and human resource experts recommend six key areas of focus:

Employers’ right to order employees back to work and plan regarding reopening
Safety steps being taken to minimize exposure, including appropriate social distancing measures
Employers’ right to ask about employees’ health and take temperatures
Employers’ right to require face coverings part of the work uniform
Any new health and safety policies and sick-time policies
Any plans or policies to address if temperature testing uncovers a fever or an employee calls in sick with COVID-19

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(from Duke University) Duke University has released a comprehensive guide for its staff to return to work and developed a video to help the university's workforce understand those changes. The guide touches on guiding principles, health monitoring, phased staffing, personal safety practices, possible scenarios and emotional well-being among other topics.

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(From EdSource) A new survey by the ACLU of Southern California suggests rates of student anxiety and depression are increasing during school closures, yet many students in California are not receiving the mental health services they need. More than half of the 650 students’ respondents said they’re in need of mental health support since the school closures began in mid-March. That includes 22% who said they were receiving some kind of support before the closures but now have limited or no access to those services and an additional 32% who said their mental health needs have arisen since schools closed.

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(From Willis Towers Watson) New research from global consultant Willis Towers Watson provides a glimpse into what the future of well-being, pay and work could look like. The data suggests that, In the short term, employees will be adversely impacted by heightened health concerns and general anxiety. However, regular communications and flexible working arrangements will help employees feel supported and coordinated in the long run (see below).