ASE is receiving calls asking whether worker pandemic safety rules are still in effect. Yes, they are. MIOSHA Emergency Rules put in place last October remain in effect until at least April 16^th and are, at this point with Michigan cases on the rise, expected to be extended possibly for another six months.

Think of one word to define the last year…uncertainty.  We all know what uncertainty brings on…anxiety.  Each week we do not know what will come next, and that is taking a toll on our workforce’s mental health. 

U.S. employers are taking measures to make vaccines more accessible to their employees and encouraging them to get inoculated, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson. Another survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas shows that companies are developing, implementing, and clarifying plans to bring their employees back to the office.

Last week the CDC published guidance for employer vaccination programs. The CDC is encouraging employers to promote the value of getting vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes building employee confidence toward getting vaccinated, helping determine when employees can get vaccinated, deciding whether onsite or offsite vaccination programs make sense to promote, and suggestions about how to avoid workers unexpectedly having to be off work due to vaccine side effects.

Vaccine passports, documentation that an individual received a vaccination and is presumably better protected against a virus or has recently been tested and found negative, are being debated and considered by many before allowing employees to return to work. Having one’s shots to travel internationally is not new. But expanding the use of a vaccine passport for entry into concert venues, sport events, or using that passport to come to work is new.

One of ASE’s wellness partners, BurnAlong, recently partnered with hr.research Institute to conduct a survey, “The State of Employee Health and Well-being 2021.” The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted employee well-being and employers must react.

Corporate wellness, while always an important part of the workplace experience, has recently become crucial to maintaining high employee morale. Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more employees are counting on wellness programs to help them cope with the everyday stresses that life offers, and, in turn, more and more organizations are stepping up to the plate.

The Governor’s office has formed a diverse group of leaders, including business, to work with and assist with its COVID vaccination campaign. As vaccination ramps up in Michigan, employers will benefit from inoculated healthy and safe workers. However, it is recognized that education is needed about how and when workers can line up for the COVID-19 vaccination.

The EEOC affirmed on 12/16/20 that businesses and employers may require employees to receive a vaccination as a condition of continued employment and can require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. While the news about the COVID-19 vaccines presents a light at the end of the tunnel, our journey is not over.  A recent article in SmartBrief presents a set of challenges for employer-employee communications.  It has as many questions as answers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted important areas of health that were being ignored for too long, such as mental and emotional wellbeing. These areas have been drawn to the forefront for employers.

If you have lost track of the legislative and regulatory ins and outs of the federal stimulus package and compliance regulations, here is where we are as of this week.

Do you start your day sitting quietly, taking a few deep breaths?  Mindfulness practitioners know the importance of recharging to regain productivity.  Mindfulness practices of reflection, openness, and thoughtfulness will have a positive impact on employees and the bottom line.

This has been a challenging year to say the least. COVID has drastically changed our lives both at home and work. Human resources professionals have had to pivot on a dime many times over the past nine months. One of those areas is in drug testing.

Last week, Pfizer announced it has a Coronavirus vaccine with a reported 90% efficacy. Shortly following, Moderna announced their vaccine has similar efficacy at 95%. Though they estimate March or April 2021 before it’s widely available, it is clear that the government will be encouraging everyone to vaccinate.

On Thursday, October 29th, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued additional rules for businesses to implement regarding safety protocols pertaining to masking and gathering. These rules were ostensibly focused on restaurants/bars, retail stores, libraries, museums, non-tribal casinos, sports organizations, concert venues, movie theatres, schools, and medical offices. They will impact businesses in other industries as well. Below are the applicable MDHHS Order...