By:  Laurey West, SHRM-CP

Director of Operations

The Coronavirus has created many new daily challenges for our clients, as well as all companies throughout the nation. Our staff has been working around the clock with our clients to provide the resources and reports needed to apply for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This CARES Act will provide businesses with much-needed financial relief during this Pandemic. We are also working closely with our software provider to make sure system parameters and pay codes are set up so clients may obtain the payroll tax credits in a timely manner.

Our benefits team has been busy assisting our clients with Employee Assistance Program information with their health care plans. Many of these programs offer employees several counseling sessions at no charge to help deal with the stress related to this virus. They have also been providing support and answering questions related to furloughed or laid off employees and COBRA.

Our Human Resources team has been participating in daily webinars with NAPEO (our governing board), our software provider, tax attorneys and employment lawyers to make sure our clients are receiving the most up to date and accurate information. They have also been busy creating and providing templates for leave requests, infectious disease control policies, social distancing guidelines, temporary telecommuting policies, and notices for furloughs and layoffs. Another important part of their role during this time is providing our clients with informative posters so employees can stay informed on how to stop the spread of germs and stay well.

While it has been an extremely busy time for our staff, we have enjoyed working hand in hand with our clients as we are all in this together. It is very important to our team to help provide the support and resources our clients’ needs during this Pandemic and help alleviate their stress as they make tough business decisions. Our partners and myself would like to express our gratitude for having an exceptional staff that has worked countless hours away from their families to make sure our clients and their employees are supported during this global crisis.

We are also extremely grateful for the many kind and morale boosting e-mails and calls we are receiving from our clients each day and night. You have no idea how much our staff appreciates these sweet kudos and encouraging words! Thank goodness for AMAZING clients!

We hope you are enjoying time with your families, supporting your communities and those in need while maintaining six feet of social distance, enjoying some time outside and getting some Vitamin D from the sun, checking on relatives and friends, counting all your blessings, and taking all precautions to keep yourself and your families safe! We need to be encouraging and supportive of one another in these challenging times because together we will get through this pandemic.

Here are a few websites that you may find helpful when making your own business decisions:
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus