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A new normal has emerged out of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for business owners who are ready to reopen. With each operation unique in its needs, reopening can feel both invigorating and overwhelming. A list of resources are provided here to help you move forward confidently. Not only is this a time to restart and rebuild, it’s a moment in your business’ history when you can reimagine all that can be.

An increasing number of state legislatures have proposed bills addressing insurance companies coverage of “business interruption” insurance, which is typically applicable only to losses resulting from physical damage to property such as that caused by a fire or earthquake, and generally inapplicable to losses caused by viral or bacterial pandemics.

Returning to work in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis presents employers with unprecedented workplace and employee relations challenges. As the Southern states move ahead with phased plans to reopen, it is important to have the right strategy in place for employee safety, absence management and risk mitigation. The HUB Risk Services team discusses and reviews the following return to work considerations and challenges:

Businesses that sell basic necessities are facing overwhelming demand and experiencing increased customer service inquiries, call volume, and website orders. These challenges make communicating with customers more important than ever. When implementing an effective customer-facing communications plan, there are five attributes that should be included.

As family offices and businesses prepare for a return to work in the post-COVID-19 environment, they face complicated decisions when trying to plan for a safe workplace. This medical intelligence report provides an overview on COVID-19 to help facilitate thoughtful discussions and a better understanding of official recommendations. It also includes general guidance for employers and reputable sources for getting updates and information on the spread of COVID-19 and changes in recommendations to fit the current situation.

Subtitle C of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act amends certain provisions in the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. A brief summary of four key provisions that employers need to know includes: paid leave for rehired employees; advance refunding of credits; single-employer plan funding rules; and federal contractor activity.

The EEOC issued updated FAQs on various issues involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such as confidentiality of COVID-19 medical information, reasonable accommodation requests, hiring, harassment, and layoffs or furloughs. The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) has also updated their guidance on employer recordkeeping and reporting requirements regarding workplace transmissions of COVID-19. This article reviews the latest changes impacting employers.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its Final Rule on the paid sick leave and family leave requirements of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The Final Rule supplements and clarifies the multiple FFCRA Q&A publications the DOL has issued. A review of the key provisions is provided, including how the family leave provisions of FFCRA interacts with FMLA, which employers are exempt from FFCRA requirements, and what documentation employers need to retain to obtain a tax credit under FFCRA.

As states and cities begin to lift lockdown restrictions, stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures, it’s vital that businesses implement and communicate new protocols and safety precautions in the workplace before and after employees return. Prepare for reopening your doors with this practical Return-to-Work Toolkit that will help in developing a good first step toward creating a plan specific to your organization.

As states continue to adopt shelter-in-place orders to stop the spread of COVID-19, many employers remain open for business and need employees to perform essential operations. To protect their workforce, employers should adhere to CDC and DOL guidance on implementing safety practices for employees. We share some tips for employers with essential employees that can reduce the risk of workplace hazards and explain how to document those efforts in workplace policies and employee communications.