March 27, 2020 newsletter including updates:
March 27, 2020 newsletter: I’m pivoting so I can be of help to employers and workers during this challenging time for us all. Employers and job seekers have plenty of questions. Let’s see if I have some answers for you.
Q: My company is not “essential” according to the NM Governor’s directive, but can just one employee go to the office at a time?
A: 100 percent of the state’s non-essential workforce “must stay at home and undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety or welfare,” so no. Violators of the order could lose their licenses to operate and face civil or criminal penalties. (Source: https://cv.nmhealth.org/2020/03/23/state-enacts-further-restrictions-to-stop-spread-including-stay-at-home-instruction/)
Q: Our staff is supposed to be working from home however some can’t even telework because they are caring for a child whose school or place of care is closed, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or caring for someone who is quarantined. Do they have to be paid?
A: Yes, as of April 1, under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act, employers with under 500 employees will be required to offer paid leave to employees affected by the pandemic in the above ways. (Source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave)
Q: What else do I need to know about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?
A: The FFCRA includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act. It’s a lot of information, so the Department of Labor has provided the following:
· Extensive Q & A https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions
· Employer fact sheet https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave
· Employee fact sheet https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
If you still have questions, I’d be happy to consult and provide help.
Q: My company has suspended people and let people go because of the rapid decline in customer traffic and sales. We may or may not get back to where we were. Should employees apply for unemployment?
A: Yes, and businesses that are forced to temporarily close, permanently close, or significantly reduce operations are encouraged to inform affected employees of their eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. (Source: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2020/03/17/state-extends-eligibility-for-unemployment-insurance-benefits-to-workers-affected-by-covid-19/)
Update/Pro Tip: If unemployment hearing adjudicators respond similarly during the economic crisis of 2007, employers who deny unemployment benefits to employees who lost their job due to/during the health crisis will likely lose the appeal. If the termination is due to egregious behavior, be ready to back it up with lots of facts and documentation, which is always a best practice anyway.
Q: Some employees still have jobs but have had their hours reduced. Could they qualify for unemployment?
A: Yes, they could qualify for unemployment, even just due to a reduction of hours. (Source: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2020/03/17/state-extends-eligibility-for-unemployment-insurance-benefits-to-workers-affected-by-covid-19/)
Q: We are not going to be able to bring some employees back on. How can I help them get a new job?
A: Give them a letter of reference and a promise to provide references when prospective employers call. If you’d like to put together some outplacement for them, I’m happy to work with you to provide resume writing, search skills, interviewing skills, career branding, help with changing careers, change management and positivity support, etc. to fit your budget.
Q: How are people on unemployment supposed to look for a new job in order to maintain their benefit if potential employers are closed?
A: No worries, the work search requirement is being temporarily waived. (Source: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2020/03/17/state-extends-eligibility-for-unemployment-insurance-benefits-to-workers-affected-by-covid-19/)
Q: What should I be doing now to be ready to land a job once things are back up and running?
A: The market for job seekers may be competitive the other side of the crisis. Lots of displaced lookers will hit the market at the same time and compete for fewer jobs than were open before the crisis. Now is the time to get focused on the type of work you want to do in the new economy, and making sure your resume, interviewing skills, and attitude are the best they can be for the new economy. I can help.
Q: My customers seem skittish about buying my products/services right now. How can I reassure them?
A: You can assure customers of all the precautions you are taking in providing services to them or handling the items you sell to them. Remind them as well of protections you are providing for your employees. Many customers really do care and want to hear that you’re a humane employer. Let them know how you are caring for your workforce at this time.
Update: The world is watching to see if companies are heroes or zeroes in their actions towards employees. Some inspirational ideas and cautionary tales here:
· https://didtheyhelp.com/category/companies/
· Search by #COVIDbizethics on Twitter
Q: My customers don’t seem to think they need or want what I’m selling right now. What can I do?
A: We all may need to suggest things to our clients that they don’t even know they need or want from us right now. Or ask your team or a trusted colleague or friend to brainstorm with you for a few minutes. What can you provide to your customers that they may need or want right now? How can you get those suggestions in front of them? I’m reaching out to all my customers to see how I can help them make the best of a very challenging situation. I’m even offering a free consult. Consider contacting some or all of your customers and just asking how you can help.
Q: How can I have a free consultation chat?
A: Just let me know. I’m happy to chat whether you’re a business owner, HR person, manager, or job seeker. (Contact me at Linda@StraussHR.com) I hope all of your vendors will do the same if you ask. Give it a try. Employers, call your CPAs, lawyers and other vendors. Job seekers, call your utilities, mortgage companies, etc. See what they can do for you. It’s in all of our best interests for everyone to still be in business, be solvent and have jobs when this is over, and it’s just the right thing to do.
Q: My customers don’t need much of what I provide right now, and I feel like I don’t have much to do. What can I do?
A: Think of all the things you used to say you were too busy to do. “If I only had time to strategize, finish my business plan, come up with some new ideas, write some blogs for my customers, clean out my inbox, update my website, come up with some new product/service ideas…” If you want to take this opportunity to rewrite your handbook, create a performance management system, etc., we can help. (See all of our services here http://strauss-hr.com/)
Q: Employees are getting paid, but they don’t have much to do. How can they make productive use of this time?
A: As well as the above, now is a great time for professional development. Maybe you’ve been putting off Harassment training, want your managers to be prepared to hire great candidates when you’re back up and running, want to offer employees change management and emotional intelligence training to help staff through this time. Let me catch you up on compliance, HR and soft skills training. All can be delivered through web conference. (See all topics here http://strauss-hr.com/)
Q: No one is hiring. What can I do?
A: Time to think about a career change, figure out what you want to do and what is in demand, update your resume, your brand as an employee, your elevator speech, get coaching, do some professional development, strengthen some skills or learn new ones. We can help (See all of our services here www.StraussHR.com)
Q: Do you have a resume but wonder how it's coming across?
A: I’m a recruiter and would be happy to give you a free recruiter’s opinion and resume analysis. Send it to Linda@StraussHR.com.
Q: I could use help maintaining a positive and attitude and how to stay motivated and productive.
A: If you can take an hour, I recommend this webcast to give you a boost of optimism and creative problem solving through these challenges. It’s based on TRP® Becoming the Totally Responsible Person https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moving-forward-applying-trp-in-uncertain-times-tickets-100068589846
Update: Note these webcasts are FREE. Future webcasts scheduled for April 2, 7 and 9, all at 2pm Eastern.
Q: I want to make sure my team and I maintain our mental health; I know some are even struggling right now. What can we do?
A: Now is the time to take advantage of any wellness benefits. Remind everyone they can reach out to your EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and use the mental health benefits provided in your health insurance plan. Some therapists offer sessions by phone or web.
Q: We don’t have an EAP or benefits. Are there other resources for our mental well-being?
A: Luckily there are a lot and they are just a Google search away. Some places I visit for a boost:
· Mental Health First Aid resources for yourself and others https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/03/how-to-bethedifference-for-people-with-mental-health-concerns-during-covid-19/
· Upworthy inspirational stories https://www.upworthy.com
· Ditch the Drama with Reality Based Leadership https://www.youtube.com/user/CyWakemanInc
· Stay positive, productive and effective no matter what with TRP® https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1eZSUft7y74DR6BBaus7LQ/featured
· Work Happy with Woopah https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6-ZZgPFnXOs6jZ6CCqSKfg
Update: Consider providing employees paid access to these or similar online therapy resources (not an endorsement) or reaching out for yourself:
· https://blog.zencare.co/betterhelp-vs-talkspace/
· https://letstalkcounseling.com/blog/new-mexico-now-offers-therapy-online
· Elevation Counseling, teletherapy (a local ABQ-based company) https://www.elevationcounseling.com/new-clients/
· Take a free Yale course about well-being https://www.businessinsider.com/coursera-yale-science-of-wellbeing-free-course-review-overview
· For leaders: http://blog.leadershiplanding.com/webinar-interest?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=85493923&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--SfrjQjSkat5XROBgWl_FcJlhtW6W2XtrbeYcd-YYn3SZkHii84VLBne7EoYB_uLZ9YBYAJUKA6VVuYCrgOO2PwB28DA&_hsmi=85493923