Over 30M File for Unemployment as the Coronavirus Hammers Businesses in the US

April 24, 2020by Flex HR Flex HR No Comments

Over 30M File for Unemployment as the Coronavirus Hammers Businesses in the US

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a devastating toll on the US economy, and the unemployment rate is continuing to expedite. More specifically, non-essential small to mid-sized business employers are being forced to furlough and layoff their employees due to reduced working, as well as productivity efforts, and forced closed doors.

Under the CARES Act comes a new Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) that will help some businesses, while the Paycheck Protection Program is available to aid small businesses only (less than 500 employees). “I compare it to a natural disaster, a terrorist attack and a financial shock all at once,” said Gregory Daco, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. “We’ve never had this in history.” In fact, the unemployment rate today is the highest since the Great Depression, at over 18%*. Not only is there a steep rise in layoffs but a severe decline in the job market as companies have had to freeze or cancel their hiring growth plans.

Coronavirus Conversation with Flex HR: Your HR Employee Management Questions Answered

Dr. Ernie Ward, executive director of education for Vertical Vet, provides communication and updates regarding information your business needs to survive during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

This discussion focuses on staff, meeting payrolls and dealing with the unfortunate possibility of layoffs or furloughs. Joining the conversation is Jim Cichanski, CEO of Flex HR located in Johns Creek, a suburb of Atlanta, GA. Jim speaks to the numerous questions concerning the new Families First, Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other legal actions that companies should comply with. Flex HR are experts in outsourced HR management.

COVID-19 HR Quick Guide for Small Businesses

March 25, 2020by Flex HR Flex HR No Comments

COVID-19 HR Quick Guide for Small Businesses*

FMLA for small Businesses
(under 500 Employees)

There are several basic different benefits under the provision of the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act). Flex HR of Atlanta provides the Covid-19 HR Quick Guide for small businesses. These guidelines give small business owners clarity and confidence to proceed with handling their employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. Maintaining compliance and keeping within the parameter of regulations is imperative for all companies to adhere to during this confusing time. If you have any further questions after to the following guidelines, please contact Flex HR directly:

General Guidelines:

Employers will receive 100% reimbursement for paid leave pursuant to the Act.
Employers will get paid for via Payroll tax credits.
Businesses under 50 employees can request an exemption to provide the leave under this Act where the viability of the business is threatened.
Items in this Act will most likely apply from a date in January that will be defined in the April 2nd completing of the rules.
If a business developed a paid leave plan for COVID-19 in the past month, that policy must be exercised prior to using this Act’s provisions (unless overwritten in final instructions).

Example for Coronavirus Workplace Operating Memo to Employees Provided By Human Resources

March 17, 2020by Flex HR Flex HR No Comments

Coronavirus-COVID-19-Atlanta-Businesses-HR

Example for Coronavirus Workplace Operating Sample Memo to Employees Provided By Human Resources

The Coronavirus Disease, or COVID-19 is taking over every headline in America and businesses all over the nation are turning to HR for what steps to take next. While numerous companies have the capabilities for their employees to work from home, there are still many that do not. With the urge to practice social distancing it’s tough for employees to comprehend that they still may be required to report to the office. If your organization is one where it’s necessary for individuals to be physically present at work, then see below for a memo template example of how social distancing by working in shifts is a temporary solution and how to write this sample memo to employees and staff.

The following is memo example of an employee communications document memo regarding the coronavirus’ impact on workplace scheduling and attendance.

The Coronavirus’ Effect on Businesses and How HR is Managing It

March 11, 2020by Flex HR Flex HR No Comments

Managing Coronavirus for businesses in Atlanta HR

The Coronavirus’ Effect on Businesses and How HR is Managing It

The Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19 has officially started spreading in the United States as many predicted it would. We’ve all seen the precautions to take and how to prepare at home, but what exactly does this mean for your business? In this state of unpredictability, we recommend that companies take steps to make changes and updates now. It is important to build resiliency, stability, and become better equipped to survive through such challenging times.

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