Editor’s Note

The flu season is here. However, the situation is severe this year considering the spread of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19. Globally, at least 80,000 people (As of Feb 27, 2020) have been diagnosed with coronavirus and it seems to be unstoppable.  

Although organizations must take precautions to protect their employees from such infectious diseases, experts are worried that fear and misinformation could eventually lead companies in trouble. How can workplaces start to prepare for the possibility of flu-related absences and take precautions to other infections? Can a business be liable if an employee tests positive for coronavirus, or causes it to spread? Get to know that and more in this month’s edition that includes a variety of informative articles on the dangerous coronavirus and its impact on the workplace.

Andrew Challenger’s article, While Coronavirus Causes Panic, Regular Flu Already Costing Employers Over $13 Billion provides employers tips to develop their flu response strategy and a safe working environment for their employees. 

If you want to keep your workers safe, comfortable, and productive, read Teri Dreher’s article, Making Coronavirus A Teachable Moment For Employees and learn simple steps to maintain good health hygiene at work to safeguard everyone’s well-being.

Another topic that is highlighted in this issue is Financial Wellness. Although the economy is in much better shape than it was several years ago, many Americans are still suffering from stress tied to their finances. To know more about the programs and initiatives designed by organizations to help improve the financial wellness of employees, HR.com’s HR Research Institute in partnership with Salary Finance conducted a study during the summer of 2019. Read the complete whitepaper in this issue. Also read a few hand-picked articles on the importance of financial wellness in the workplace today.

Lesley Lyons’ article Why Financial Wellness Rounds Out A Holistic Wellness Program, shares some thoughts on creating an ongoing, multifaceted approach to promote workplace wellness within your organization.

In an age of labor scarcity, offering competitive voluntary benefits is a viable way to attract and retain the best talent. Does your organization provide attractive voluntary benefits? In an effort to learn more about the state of voluntary benefits in today’s workplace, HR.com’s HR Research Institute partnered with identity protection firm InfoArmor to survey today’s HR professionals and learn more about the prevalence of voluntary benefits, their composition, and strategic value. Read the research report, Voluntary Benefits in Today’s Workplace, for valuable insights and strategic takeaways.

This is not all! Read a variety of other informative articles on Coronavirus and Financial Wellness in this edition of Employee Benefits & Wellness Excellence. We hope you enjoy reading all the articles and get back to us with your valuable feedback!