COVID-19 HR Resources & Links

COVID-19: Changing Times? Yes…
Change What You Are Doing? Maybe…

HR Answers, in partnership with the Oregon-Columbia Chapter, is pleased to offer services through AGC’s HR Advice member benefit program. The program is designed to support members by providing answers to frequently asked human resource-related questions, and chapter members have unlimited access (via phone or e-mail) to a team of professional, certified consultants. Learn more about the program here.

This information was provided to AGC’s HR Advice participants on March 17.

Your organization has likely put significant time and energy into developing polices and business practices that work. Don’t let that hard work go to waste in the face of new circumstances.

We have received many phone calls and emails asking for assistance, and in most cases, the answers are found in the laws and polices already used in your everyday business operations. Please use the polices you already have in place – this does not have to be a time for NEW.

A few tips for where to look:

• Questions about an employee’s choice to take time off…what do your paid and unpaid eave policies say?
• Questions about what happens if your office or work location closes…what does your Inclement Weather Policy say? This same concept should easily apply to decisions of the employer related to business interruption.
• Questions about short-term or long-term disability benefits…what do your benefits policies or plan design documents say?
• Questions about layoff or temporary interruption of employment…what does your layoff, separation, and return to work policies say?
• Review your business insurance policies or speak with your insurance broker to determine if there is coverage to help during this transition stage, such as Business Interruption Coverage.

If it has been a while since you have had the opportunity to review detail in each of these, take the time now.

While each organization and employee will have different needs and opinions, consistency in your communication, application of policy and practice, and documentation are keys to success.

We have also put together some resource links from Oregon, Washington, and California government entities that are providing guidance and are responsible for making decisions related to our changing circumstances. If you need information about resources for states not listed below, please let us know.

We are here to help…whatever the questions.

Governor Office Direction and Information

• Oregon – Governor Kate Brown’s Office
• Washington – Governor Jay Inslee’s Office
• California – Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office

Protected Paid and Unpaid Leaves

• Oregon – Sick Leave and Oregon Family Medical Leave
• Washington – Paid and Family Medical Leave
• California – Paid Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave
• Federal Family and Medical Leave Act

State Unemployment Insurance Links Related to Virus Questions

• Oregon Unemployment Insurance Information
• Washington Unemployment Insurance Information 
• California Unemployment Insurance Information

State Health Administration Links Related to Virus Questions

• Oregon Health Authority Information
• Washington Health Department Information
• California Health Department Information

Again, we encourage that you take the time needed to be clear, be consistent, document actions, and maintain confidentiality.

If we can be of further assistance as you work through these issues and others, please give us a call or send an email:

• info@hranswers.com
• www.hranswers.com
• Main Line: 503-885-9815
• Toll-Free: 877-287-4476