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There’s no denying that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has rapidly and abruptly changed how we live, work and play. As the threat of the coronavirus shifts, Americans are navigating their new normal and figuring out how Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for social distancing and mask wearing fits into a daily routine.…

July 14, 2020 As we move into the middle of summer, it’s apparent that COVID-19 does not diminish in warmer weather similar to the flu virus. In fact, as we’ve re-opened our economy cases have spiked with more people testing positive and additional hospitalizations occurring across the country. St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Joplin, and…

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has created an online tool to help workers determine whether they qualify for paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The tool works by posing a series of questions that help employees assess whether the paid leave provisions of…

Download PDF Many employers seek the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace, but struggle to overcome challenges such as bias. While most leaders and most employees strive to make fair decisions and avoid unfair judgments, there exists the possibility that bias impacts some workplaces. Employers may be able to help mitigate bias in a…

 Ollis/Akers/Arney CEO, Richard Ollis, spoke with Springfield Business Journal and shared some insights that clearly defined goals and teamwork will prepare you for success. He also recommends you listen to others’ perspectives to help find a better game plan. Source: sbjLive

Q: May an employer administer a COVID-19 test on employees prior to their entering the workplace? A: Yes. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that medical tests be "job related and consistent with business necessity". Because allowing an employee who has COVID-19 enter the workplace could pose a threat to other employees, COVID-19 testing…

The insurance marketplace is a funny place; pricing and availability can appear and disappear seemingly at random, and predicting changes is more an art form than a science. Some years, insurance buyers benefit from falling costs and expanded coverage. Other times, when markets harden, business owners must make tough choices regarding their insurance and loss…

In addition to fighting the health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts are also fighting the effects of what they refer to as an info-demic. Defined as an outbreak of misinformation, doctors across the country are saying that this infodemic is making it harder to treat patients. Moreover, this misinformation can lead to…

On June 18, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released guidance to help employers plan how to reopen nonessential businesses. The guidance also addresses issues employers should consider as they ask their employees return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. OSHA’s guidelines for reopening nonessential businesses provide general principles for updating restrictions that…

Even as stay-at-home orders and restrictions are lifted, daily operations won’t be business-as-usual for many across the country. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still going on, despite businesses reopening. Moreover, public health officials and experts are warning of a potential second wave of COVID-19 cases. Of course, no one knows if or when a second…