CDC Releases Reopening Recommendations For Office Spaces
Communities across the country are in the process of lifting restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. For white-collar workers that have largely been able to perform job tasks remotely, companies have been less eager to get back into their office space. Still, as these reopenings progress, more businesses are setting up new health and safety protocols for their office spaces.
Survey: Only Half of Americans Plan To Get Coronavirus Vaccine
Community leaders are hopeful that a COVID-19 vaccine may help facilitate an easier and quicker transition back to normal life. Still, many more wonder about the safety, effectiveness, and impact of a potential immunization. A recent survey reflects that, for most Americans, only about half plan to receive the vaccine, should one become available.
Google Announces Remote Work Plan
As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, companies are looking at a combination of government guidelines, health advice, and employee preferences to build their return-to-work strategies. Just recently, Google sent out an email to employees about how the tech giant plans to handle the transition through a “gradual, phased approach.”
Study: Wellness Programs Improve Employee’s Health Beliefs, Not Clinical Outcomes
Researchers at the University of Illinois conducted a two-year study on the efficacy of workplace wellness programs. Coupled with previous research, their results seem to suggest a less-than-perfect impression of how effective wellness programs can be at reducing costs and providing measurable improvements in workforce wellness. However, it is important to distinguish what is and is not being measured in the studies.
As Businesses Reopen, Immunity Tests Are Losing Favor
As businesses reopen, many are turning to antibody tests in order to determine who is less likely to spread the disease or fall ill. However, most US companies will not be implementing the tests. Instead, they plan to focus on the use of face masks, temperature checks, diagnostic tests, and social distancing.
7 Stats On COVID-19’s Impact On Employee Mental Health
Stress related to COVID-19 is having an enormous impact on people’s mental health, as demand for support services surges and substance abuse and suicides continue to rise. A report from SHRM indicates that employees are struggling with depression and exhaustion, while failing to take care of themselves well.
Survey: Current Workforce Values Mental Health, Professional Development
EY recently conducted a survey to explore how companies can better retain and recruit talent by anticipating the desires of both the current and upcoming workforce. Results indicate that younger workers prioritize generous health benefits packages over competitive salaries, with a significant percentage specifically favoring mental health and addiction support.
Working From Home, Employees Lament Absence Of On-site Perks
While working remotely can be extremely attractive to employees, there are still several companies that have built workforce happiness through appealing on-site perks, which are no longer available as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Employers need to think about replacing these on-site perks to avoid a perceived reduction in benefits from employees.
Evaluating Workplace Risk Factors For COVID-19
Not all jobs are equal—and that’s especially the case when looking at the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the Occupational Information Network was recently assembled together to indicate which jobs are the most high-risk for exposure to the coronavirus, many of those being essential workers.