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COVID-19: News and Updates |
| Special #15 - April 9, 2020 |
| Articles Today
- HRDIVE Article - Tips for onboarding new hires remotely during COVID-19 pandemic
AUTHOR Sheryl Estrada / PUBLISHED April 7, 2020
APRIL 08, 2020
- ¶46,849 New poster from OSHA outlines COVID-19 infection prevention measures — AGENCY GUIDANCE, (Apr. 9, 2020)
- Federal Unemployment Aid Coming to Georgians Not Eligible for State Benefits
- Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report
April 8, 2020
- Live Webinar Apr 15th > Leadership During This Crisis: Proactive Leadership for Employees in a Reactive Mindset Register>> April 15, 2020 - 1pm - 2pm EDT
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| | | | | | HRDIVE Article
Tips for onboarding new hires remotely during COVID-19 pandemic
AUTHOR Sheryl Estrada
PUBLISHED April 7, 2020
A focus on fundamental practices, technological tools and collaboration between HR and IT teams are some of the best practices offered by industry insiders.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies in the U.S. have transitioned to a remote workforce at the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means companies moving forward with hiring plans will most likely onboard new employees virtually.
Certain fundamentals of onboarding should remain the same, according to Sally Stetson, principal and co-founder of executive search firm Salveson Stetson Group. Employees still need to understand how their role fits into the bigger picture, Stetson told HR Dive in an email. But now it's a matter of ensuring a company can communicate effectively even when no one is in the same office.
Have a flexible time frame for onboarding
The basics for any onboarding program include formulating the procedures ahead of time; setting up a buddy or mentor system for new hires; and having a standardized procedure to set up training sessions, Vladimir Shifrin, technical director at Armix Group, told HR Dive in an email. That doesn't change when workers go remote.
"The organization should begin with the broader company overview and then provide a more specific briefing on the department where the employees will be working," said Stetson, who has more than 30 years of experience in the executive search industry. "The content usually includes a briefing of the overall business; company structure, overview of services and/or products and an introduction to key leaders and important resources available to employees across the company."
A typical onboarding process could be lengthy, said Shifrin, and remote may add further challenges. "Fully onboarding and integrating an employee so they understand the ins and outs of the organization can take up to six months," he said. During the first month, an employee should have time to get to know the company's culture, products and procedures, he said.
However, the first two to three weeks are critical to setting employees up for success, Shifrin added. To welcome new hires on their first day, the HR department should set up a video conference call and introduce the team, he said. An emailed welcome package may "consist of your company's product information, specific to the company knowledge, for example acronyms used, and a welcome letter from your CEO," he said.
The length for remote onboarding can also depend upon the person's role in the company, Stetson said. "Since they won't have the luxury of face to face interactions, the more frequent video meetings the better to ensure new employees feel connected to the company," she said.
Collaboration between HR and IT for online training programs is key
HR professionals and IT professionals typically evaluate how they can improve the employee experience so workers are able to learn effectively, according to Stetson. In a remote environment, they need to "work hand in hand to provide a seamless experience for onboarding," she said. The HR and IT teams can collaborate on using a company app for training purposes, Stetson suggested.
"Some companies have more sophisticated tools and provide a company app with all of the key details the employee needs to know to be successful in their jobs," Stetson said. "The apps also allow them to connect with key stakeholders who answer questions in real time."
A prearranged onboarding plan, a task calendar and video conferencing software can help HR and IT streamline the online learning process for new hires, Shifrin said. "Simple video conferencing software with video capturing capabilities, such as BlueJeans or Zoom, can be used to capture online training," he said.
HR and IT departments should also incorporate video recordings, Shifrin added. "Many companies underuse videos," Shifrin said. "Much of the information can be pre-recorded and shared with new employees."
He also recommended setting up consistent online training sessions and team integration procedures. "Do regular check-ins about the training process," Shifrin said. Find out what is working and what is challenging, he said. "This will help you fine-tune along the way and prevent frustration on your and new hires' parts."
CEOs should practice transparency
Part of the typical onboarding process is meeting executive leadership, including the CEO of the company. Those starting a new job during the COVID-19 pandemic may feel especially uncertain, which makes transparency from leadership crucial, according to Stetson.
"Leaders need to communicate on a regular basis to both reassure employees and provide them with ongoing updates that may change the way the employee and the company operates," she said. She warned that lack of information creates confusion and rumors. "Employees begin to develop their own 'stories' about what is happening," she said. Clear and authentic communication helps employees feel reassured, Stetson said.
In addition to the ongoing tasks calendar and defined long and short term goals for the new hires, Shifrin suggested that leadership should have sharable operational procedures for remote work during a crisis, which include "clear guidelines on emergencies for employees, and chain of command."
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Gov. Kemp Gives Update on COVID-19 Response
APRIL 08, 2020
Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp updated Georgians on the response to COVID-19:
"Good afternoon, everyone. Before I get started, I want to take a moment to talk about my friend and former Senate colleague, Jack Hill, who unexpectedly passed away on Monday. Georgia has lost a gentle giant. Jack Hill was a longtime public servant and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was respected and loved by countless people in his community and across our state. Earlier today, I signed an executive order directing flags to fly at half-staff across Georgia this Friday. I ask all Georgians to lift up his loved ones and colleagues in prayer as they grapple with his loss.
"This afternoon, I’m joined by DPH Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey, Georgia National Guard Adjutant General Tom Carden, and GEMA Director Homer Bryson. As always, I want to thank these hardworking Georgians - and their staff - for their tireless efforts. We are fortunate to have the best and brightest leading the charge.
"Today, we are reporting a total of 9,901 coronavirus cases in Georgia, and I’m saddened to announce that 362 Georgians have passed as a result of COVID-19. I ask all Georgians in every corner of our great state to join me in praying for all of the families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and those who are battling it right now.
"During this sacred Holy Week, we must stay united in the fight against coronavirus. I want to thank the millions of Georgians who are following public health guidance and helping us flatten the curve. We are making progress. I want to thank the frontline workers who are sacrificing everyday to keep us all safe: first responders, law enforcement, our doctors, nurses, and medical staff. These men and women are doing heroic work. Keep praying for their safety - and their families, who many of these frontline workers are unable to see as they fight this pandemic.
"While I am encouraged by some of the recent data, we still have incredible challenges ahead. Yesterday, I had a call with Commissioner Gary Black and other Ag leaders to reaffirm our unwavering support for Georgia’s oldest and largest industry. COVID-19 is hitting our state hard, and it’s impacting our farm families in a number of ways.
"First, much of the demand for Georgia farm products is from our schools and food service industries. With schools shuttered and many restaurants scaling back, our farmers are seeing prices plummet and demand diminish. Farms that use our country’s seasonal worker programs are seeing good crops this year, but now have limited markets to sell them. However, these same farmers are still on the hook for paying 75 percent of the contract work they signed for before COVID-19 ever hit Georgia. Coming off generational losses from Hurricane Michael, this is another punch in the gut for Georgia farmers. In the coming days, I will make these concerns known to our federal partners and ask them to keep farmers top of mind when crafting a Phase 4 stimulus package.
"Rest assured, we will continue to fight for Georgia’s agriculture industry and the families who feed and clothe the world from right here in the Peach State. Now, more than ever, I hope you will join me in supporting our farmers and agri-business leaders by purchasing Georgia Grown and Georgia Made products. Every purchase matters. Every dollar spent provides relief.
"There’s no doubt that COVID-19 is impacting other industries and workers too. Thousands of Georgians are out of work, and we have started to see the effects of that on our state’s safety net, especially when it comes to unemployment benefits. I’d like to thank the great work of our Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. He is doing everything in his power to get out-of-work Georgians the funds that they desperately need. His team has processed a record number of unemployment claims in the last two weeks. They are working around the clock to meet the needs of hardworking Georgians in a timely and efficient manner.
"Earlier this week, I asked Vice President Pence to check on federal guidance for self-employed workers, gig workers, and 1099 contractors from the U.S Department of Labor so that here in Georgia, Commissioner Butler can be approved to provide those funds. Our Vice President assured me that he would do so, and we look forward to receiving the necessary guidance from Secretary Scalia and the U.S. Department of Labor soon.
"As you know, I ordered that all of Georgia’s K-12 public schools would remain closed through the end of the year. As a parent of three, please know that this decision wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly important as we work to keep our students, families, and communities safe. Since that announcement, my staff has been in constant communication with education leaders across the state, and we have worked with State School Superintendent Richard Woods to help districts prepare and students adapt.
"In the coming days, Superintendent Woods will partner with my office and launch working groups to develop guidelines and best practices for our schools involving meals, distance learning, facilities and equipment, mental health, and professional learning. We will do whatever it takes to support our educators, students, and their parents during these challenging times.
"This month, we have taken big steps in the fight against COVID-19. General Carden and the Georgia National Guard have deployed to several long-term care facilities to clean and mitigate coronavirus exposure. The Guard now has thirty-six infection control teams and completed missions at sixty-seven facilities in the last six days. These teams have allowed the Guard to assist between seven and ten percent of all our state’s nursing home facilities every day. Once we reach 100 percent, they’ll start over.
"To provide more assistance to General Carden, his team, and our long-term care homes, I am taking new executive action to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens. As we have mentioned previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that older adults, people of any age who have serious, underlying health conditions, and certain other groups may be at higher risk for complications from coronavirus exposure.
"The Georgia Department of Public Health has determined that COVID-19 is spreading through nursing homes, inpatient hospice, assisted living communities, personal care homes, intermediate care homes, community living arrangements, and community integration homes. We have dramatically increased access to resources to these facilities to mitigate exposure, but we have to do more to protect these Georgians.
"Earlier today, I signed an executive order extending Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to deploy more resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan, Speaker Ralston, and the General Assembly for working with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This afternoon, I also signed an executive order mandating more aggressive infection control measures at long-term care facilities across Georgia. I’ll outline a few, key requirements. Facilities must adopt infectious disease transfer protocols with nearby hospitals. Visitors and non-essential personnel are strictly prohibited except in compassionate care situations. If feasible, these facilities must provide in-room dining services, and all group activities are canceled. Employees must wash or sanitize their hands after any interaction with a resident. Facilities must implement protocols to screen residents for fever and respiratory symptoms, and employees must be screened before starting a shift. If an employee is exposed, to the extent feasible, he or she must self-quarantine for fourteen days before returning to work. Facilities are required to implement universal and correct use of personal protective equipment, and we stand ready to coordinate delivery of supplies. Facilities must utilize hospital-grade disinfectants for frequent cleaning. If possible, residents with symptoms of respiratory infection need to be placed together, and facilities should have specific employees working only on affected units. To ensure compliance, I am empowering the Department of Public Health, National Guard, and Department of Community Health to issue directives to facilities to prevent, monitor, and treat COVID-19.
"Today, I am also signing an executive order to activate 1,000 additional National Guard members to assist in COVID-19 emergency response.
"In accordance with public health recommendations, I am also extending the statewide shelter in place order through April 30, 2020. All of the provisions of the statewide shelter in place order will remain in effect. I want to thank everyone who followed these directives, and I appreciate your patience.
"I have also heard the concerns of many hardworking Georgians, including local elected officials, who fear that our state will become a vacation destination. As a result, and in accordance with public health guidance, I have signed an order to suspend short-term vacation rentals across Georgia. To stop the spread of COVID-19, no vacation rental shall occur in Georgia starting at midnight through 11:59 PM on Thursday, April 30. The term 'vacation rental' means any transaction to lease or license residential property for residential or vacation purposes, facilitated by a third party or broker for thirty days or less between a corporation, partnership, person, or other entity and a private person.
"There are exceptions. This order does not include hotels, including extended stay hotels, motels, campgrounds, or purely commercial transactions. This order does not include any vacation rental which has been fully paid and executed or agreed to before 12 AM on Thursday, April 9. It also does not apply to leases for property to be used as someone’s primary place of residence. All state, county, and local law enforcement are authorized to enforce this order, but at no time shall law enforcement or any other state or local official be allowed to dispossess or evict occupants of a vacation rental.
"This action is just one of many steps we are taking to keep our people safe from this dangerous virus. Expanding access to testing remains a top priority for the Coronavirus Task Force. In addition to the USG testing partnership with the state lab, there are several new private sector partnerships throughout Georgia. That includes the new CVS drive-thru facility at Georgia Tech, which is able to test 1,000 individuals per day at full capacity. And we are excited to announce that DPH will begin a partnership with Ipsum Diagnostics, who recently received FDA approval. Ipsum is able to test 2,000 specimens per day and will be able to expand capacity in the near future. Testing will begin tomorrow at specimen collections sites across the state. Ipsum will be able to provide results to those tests within twenty-four hours. Thanks to the University System, CVS, and Ipsum partnerships, the state will dramatically increase daily testing. This expansion does not include testing currently available through private sector labs.
"In addition to their work on testing, the University System of Georgia has also provided housing to traveling health care workers in the Albany area. While these brave men and women are putting their lives on hold to serve our state, it is the very least we can do to show our gratitude and support.
"And later today Chancellor Wrigley, General Carden, and I will issue a call to USG staff encouraging those who are medical and public health professionals to sign up through the Medical Reserve Corps. I encourage all Georgians - who qualify and are able - to volunteer.
"Last week, we announced an investment of $72 million for an additional 296 beds. Capacity is being added at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s main campus and Phoebe North, at Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, and with four temporary medical units, which will be strategically placed across the state. We have also charged our state’s hospitals - who are on the frontlines of this fight - to identify additional surge capacity within their systems. I am pleased to announce that Georgia hospitals have identified hundreds of additional ICU and med-surg beds across the state to respond to COVID-19. I look forward to sharing more details on this plan in the coming days.
"Additionally, the state - working under the leadership of General Tom Carden - is working on plans for additional surge capacity in sites across the state should further capacity be needed. But we can’t take our foot off the gas. We have to keep working. Our Task Force is working around the clock to meet the pressing - and future - needs of those we are honored to serve. We remain hunkered down and prepared for any circumstance that comes our way.
"In closing, I want to thank all of our partners. It would be impossible to list everyone who’s working with us to keep Georgians safe. Again, many thanks to the Trump Administration, Coronavirus Task Force members, first responders, law enforcement, healthcare workers, hospital administrators, associations, local officials, Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, faith leaders, private-sector companies, and all of the hardworking Georgians out there making personal sacrifices for the greater good.
"To my wife, Marty, and the girls: you are my rock during these uncertain and unprecedented times. As Governor of this great state, I am honored to serve my fellow Georgians. We’ve had obstacles. There will be more, and there will be no shortage of challenges.
"Sadly, there’s no playbook for this, but we continue to use data, science, and the advice of our healthcare officials to guide our steps toward a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for all Georgians.
"In closing, I want every single Georgian - the ones who voted for me and the ones who didn’t - to know I’m working hard not to do what’s popular, not to do what’s best for my politics, and not to do what’s easy. I’m working every single day - as a husband, father, businessman, proud Georgian, and your Governor - to do what’s right.
"I ask for your patience and your prayers. We are in this fight together, and we’re going to emerge stronger because of it. Thank you, and God bless all of you."
Governor Kemp's executive orders will be published here.
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| | ¶46,849 New poster from OSHA outlines COVID-19 infection prevention measures — AGENCY GUIDANCE,
(Apr. 9, 2020) OSHA has issued a new poster outlining steps that all workplaces can take to reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus, including 10 infection prevention measures that every employer can implement to protect workers’ safety and health.
- Important steps. Safety measures include:
- Encouraging sick workers to stay home;
- Establishing flexible worksites and staggered work shifts;
- Discouraging workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, and other work equipment; and
- Using Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals with label claims against the coronavirus.
The new poster is available for download in English or Spanish.
Additional information about workplace safety is available on OSHA’s coronavirus webpage, which is updated frequently.
By WK Editorial Staff
Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus All workplaces can take the following infection prevention measures to protect workers:
1. Encourage workers to stay home if sick.
2. Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
3. Provide a place to wash hands or alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.
4. Limit worksite access to only essential workers, if possible.
5. Establish flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
6. Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, or other work tools and equipment.
7. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the work environment.
8. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved cleaning chemicals with label claims against the coronavirus.
9. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use of all cleaning and disinfection products.
10. Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.
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| | | Federal Unemployment Aid Coming to Georgians Not Eligible for State Benefits
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is updating its current systems to distribute federal unemployment funds as part of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) bringing relief to many Georgians currently not eligible for state unemployment benefits.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA, is the program that will provide unemployment benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for them. This includes individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, or those with limited work history who will not qualify for state unemployment benefits. The GDOL is modifying its current online unemployment application adding new questions to better identify those individuals who may be eligible for PUA. This modified application is expected to be available on Monday, April 13, 2020, on the GDOL website. Once the application is received, it will take several weeks to process. These additional questions in the application will help determine qualified applicants to continue the process for PUA benefits, including a different set of wage verifications and a different process for certification of wage benefits. The GDOL is partnering with other state agencies to assist with wage verification simplifying the process for PUA applicants.
If you have already filed a claim with the GDOL and will be eligible to potentially receive benefits under this program, you do NOT have to refile your claim. These individuals will be identified and sent an email with a link to provide additional information for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program.
"We are on the forefront of this economic effort to provide relief to a brand-new group of Georgians who have never received unemployment benefits before," said Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. "Our team is working to make sure we can offer assistance as soon as possible to those in need while also establishing a system that in compliance with federal law."
Read about the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) ACT
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| | Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report
Georgia Department of Public Health COVID-19 Daily Status Report For: 04/02/2020
These data represent confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the Georgia Department of Public Health as of 04/02/2020 11:28:33.
A confirmed case is defined as a person who has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 Confirmed Cases: No. Cases (%)
Total 10566 (100%)
Hospitalized 2159(20.43%)
Deaths 379 (3.59%)
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| | Live Webinar Leadership During This Crisis:
Proactive Leadership for Employees in a Reactive Mindset |
| Please register for presented by Pete Tosh
Apr 15, 2020 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
You will have access to hand-outs to download during the Webinar Overview
Today there is a need for a different approach to Leadership. The outbreak & rapid spread of the coronavirus has created havoc not only to our health systems but to the way we work. Overnight many businesses have transitioned millions of employees to work from home. For a great many of those employees, working virtually is a new reality. Additionally, employees are seeing 24/7 pandemic news & their savings being shredded. As leaders & their teams make this sudden shift, it will be a challenge to ease employees’ anxiety, collaborate effectively & function productively
Because of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic leaders are being forced to think, behave & lead in ways that are unfamiliar & uncomfortable. With employees unmoored & a work-life experience that’s ever-shifting, leaders need to exhibit a leadership style that is situationally appropriate. Employees & organizations have different requirements & expectations of their leaders – than they did 30 days ago. And organizations & employees – more than ever - need their leaders to ‘step up.’
Join Georgia Employers’ Association and Pete Tosh as he gives you ten proven crisis leadership approaches
Who Should Attend the Webinar? Any leader, manager, or supervisor who wants to improve his/her crisis leadership skills
Topics Covered: This webinar we will discuss the following ten, proven crisis leadership approaches: Developing & Communicating Your Business Preparedness & Response Plan - to Employees & Customers Recognizing the Increased Importance of ‘The Employee Experience’ Flattening the Employee Anxiety Curve Remaining Calm & Avoiding Knee-Jerk Reactions Establishing Clear Goals & Expectations for a Remote Workforce Leading from Home - by Not Acting Like You are Remote Preventing Employees from Feeling Detached Understanding Your Employees’ Unique, Remote Work Environments Taking Advantage of Virtual Meeting Options Rewarding the Employee Behavior You Want Repeated
Webinar Cost $60.00
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Brought to you by GoToWebinar® Webinars Made Easy® To learn more about Georgia Employers' Association Leadership and Management Training please visit our website. Go to training>>
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Today's Resource Links
Department of Labor Links Government and CDC Information
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Georgia Employers' Association |
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