Have you met our Director of Happiness? Plus! FAQ & Required Poster
Everybody needs a little dose of happiness right now.
Updated April 14, 2020
How are you doing?
Drinking from a fire hose. Have you felt like that the past few weeks? As a small business owner myself, I didn’t get much sleep trying to keep up with the latest information on changing federal and state laws impacting local businesses. We are adapting to our new business and legal environment and thankfully now have answers to dozens of frequently asked questions (FAQs) from the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service. We are helping our clients understand what applies to them and providing counsel on handling issues facing their workforce. Below are answers to the most common questions we are receiving from businesses. I hope you find them helpful. Also included below are links to several videos where I’ve answered common employer questions over the past couple of weeks.
Partnering with you during uncertain times. Our office remains fully operational and available to assist you. When we formed Wells Law, we implemented the technology to work from anywhere in the world. There are many questions coming into us and we are providing answers to help businesses navigate this unprecedented time. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize matters involving the most urgent, time-sensitive issues. Thank you for your patience in adjusting timelines for other projects in our pipeline. Please feel free to contact us. We are here to help.
What information would be most helpful to you?
What resources do you need?
Who can I introduce you to for business growth and networking?
What other assistance do you need?
We look forward to connecting soon. Until then, stay healthy and be well!
Mindi Wells
Resources
What can we do to keep employees safe and feel confident coming to work? What questions can we ask employees about symptoms? When can we send employees home? What if a family member is suspected or diagnosed? When can exposed essential workers return to work?
The EEOC and CDC provide a roadmap for employers to navigate these issues.
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its pandemic preparedness guide and also posted a video plus Q&A about what employers can and cannot ask workers. Available here.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published checklists, posters and guidance for employers on how to reduce the transmission of the virus among employees, maintain healthy business operations, and maintain a healthy work environment. There’s information on cleaning and disinfecting and a self-checker for employees available here.
- The CDC also provided interim guidance with precautions and protocols for returning critical infrastructure workers to the workplace in 16 specific industries including janitorial and custodial, food and ag, IT and manufacturing.
What are the new paid leave laws? Do I qualify for a small business exemption? What documentation are we permitted to ask for? Is there a required poster?
- Rules, fact sheets, poster, webinar and field bulletin on the new leave laws
- There are 79 frequently asked questions by employers with answers.
- Required poster
- Paid sick leave flowchart
- Tips for employee leave conversations and documentation
There is sooooo much to keep up with! Where can I find a comprehensive list of information?
- Ohio’s Office of Small Business Relief – Provides alternatives to layoffs, information on commercial evictions and rent, workers’ compensation, insurance premiums, daycare, etc.
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resources for Small Businesses – Information about employee assistance funds, business relief and grants, and a cool customizable poster on what you’re doing to protect your workers and your community
- Comprehensive and updated list of topics for businesses including insurance, healthcare, banking, finance, taxes and real estate from Barnes & Thornburg
- Employment law summaries, podcasts and blog from 2 of my favorite Ohio employment attorneys Scott Warrick and Jon Hyman
Video & Webinars
- “Legal Aspects of Your Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic” Attorney Mindi Wells interviewed by Small Nation CEO Jason Duff
- “Employment & Staffing Issues in the Medical Office due to COVID-19 with Attorney Mindi Wells” hosted by the Ohio State Medical Association
- “Small Business COVID-19 Issues with Attorney Mindi Wells” hosted by White Law Office
Previous Wells Law Blog Posts
- Essential Businesses, Layoffs and Insurance Tips (with sample memo to staff)
- 7 Resources Businesses Need During the Coronavirus Pandemic (with sample telework agreement)
