Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fully Approved by FDA
Authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is expected to open the floodgates for employers considering their own vaccine requirements. Many colleges, hospitals, corporations and even the federal government have announced tentative plans to require proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. United Airlines, for example, recently announced they will require vaccine proof among their employees. Other businesses are using vaccine cards to verify whether patrons need to wear face masks.
It is unclear how many organizations will require vaccination among employees in the near future, but employers should continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We will be sure to keep you up to date on any new developments.
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Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s Eviction Moratorium
Renters no longer have federal protections provided by the eviction moratorium. However, many states currently have eviction moratoriums in place. Individuals should check for updates from local officials for more information.
We will keep you informed of any noteworthy updates.
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5 Strategies for Reducing Health Benefits Costs in 2022
For the past two decades, health costs have increased each year. This happens for a variety of reasons, such as inflation or, say, a global pandemic. With that in mind, employers can bank on prices going up in 2022.
According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, medical costs are projected to increase 6.5% in 2022. This is about average for the past decade; although, it is slightly lower than the 7% increase projected this year (as more spending goes toward the COVID-19 pandemic).
Yet, 6.5% is still a considerable increase, especially when so many budgets have been reallocated or slashed due to the pandemic. That’s why employers must think both strategically and creatively about how they can lower their health benefits expenses in 2022.
This article includes five ways to help reduce spending without compromising benefits quality.
Reach out to Evolution of Benefits for all your employee communication needs, including enrollment guides, video messaging, presentations and more.
Learn more and take action – view the full newsletter below.
President Biden to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine for Federal Employees and Large Employers
The federal employee mandate will apply to executive branch employees and members of the armed services, among others. Applicable federal employees will not be provided the option for weekly testing in lieu of vaccination.
The OSHA emergency rule—which is expected in the coming weeks—could affect as many as 80 million Americans. It will reportedly require large employers to provide their workers with paid time off to get vaccinated and recover from any vaccination-related side effects (e.g., chills). Companies that fail to comply may be subject to up to $14,000 in fines per employee.
Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for more than 17 million health care workers at hospitals and other facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement.
What’s Next?
This hardline stance on vaccines is a stark contrast to the hands-off approach taken by most employers earlier in the year. However, as Delta continues to cause upticks in hospitalizations and deaths throughout the country, employers will need to ramp up efforts to protect their organizations.
Health experts and business leaders agree that vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of Delta and maintain uninterrupted operations. Employers should expect the Biden Administration to continue to take measures to increase vaccination rates.
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Open Enrollment During the Pandemic
Why Starting Open Enrollment Early In 2021 Is More Important Than Ever
Reports suggest that employees who put off job searches during the pandemic are likely to
resume them in earnest this fall, leading to a “turnover tsunami.” Employers should recognize that
they have a significant opportunity to retain employees if they begin open enrollment efforts early
in 2021. Revamping benefits offerings can help demonstrate to employees they are valued and
convince top performers seeking new jobs to remain.
However, benefits are only powerful retention tools if employees see value in the offerings. Many
employees expect some perks and arrangements made necessary during the pandemic, such as
telecommuting, to remain. Therefore, employers must tailor their offerings to include such
benefits.
Employers will also need to spread the word about their open enrollment and available offerings.
Countless surveys show that employees want more help understanding their options. These
results mean an open enrollment communication plan needs to start early, provide ample
educational resources and have multiple channels. Reach out today for help enhancing benefits
offerings and getting the word out to employees.
4 Lessons Learned From Open Enrollment During the Pandemic
There’s no denying that 2020’s open enrollment season was unprecedented. This article discusses
key takeaways from last year’s enrollment to help prepare for the 2021 season.
For more information, download this newsletter, and contact Evolution of Benefits today.
5 Ways to Cope with Pandemic Re-entry Anxiety; Breathing Exercises; Cholesterol and You – Live Well, Work Well
View and download the latest Live Well, Work Well newsletter
Re-entry anxiety is an overall uneasiness or uncertainty about returning to the way things were before the pandemic. This feeling may be triggered when meeting socially with friends and family, going back to the workplace or pursuing other important aspects of social interaction. It might be difficult to get reacclimated, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Managing Your Re-entry Anxiety
Different people have different coping strategies, but there are some common ways everyone can cope with re-entry anxiety. If you’re feeling anxious as you transition back to your pre-COVID-19 life, consider the following five coping tips:
- Start small and gradually build up to more significant social interactions. Don’t rush into anything.
- Set boundaries by letting other people know what you’re comfortable with. There’s no need to apologize for not wanting to do something, so clearly explain how you feel and also be respectful of others.
- Make a post-pandemic bucket list to shift your thinking from anxious to positive. A lot has changed due to the pandemic, but you can focus on the new possibilities.
- Do what makes you happy, even if only for a few minutes each day. It’s important to engage in something fulfilling for yourself regularly.
- Take care of yourself and set aside time every day to relax and reset your mind.
Breathing Exercises for Anxiety
When anxious, you tend to take rapid, shallow breaths from the chest. Chest breathing can result in increased heart rate, dizziness and muscle tension. During abdominal or diaphragmatic breathing, you instead take even deep breaths, which reduces the amount of work your body needs to do to breathe.
Cholesterol and You
Did you know one in three American adults has high cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs it to build cells, but too much can pose a problem. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein)—known as bad cholesterol—makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein)—known as good cholesterol—absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver to be flushed from the body.
Bad cholesterol can be elevated by certain factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking, excessive alcohol use and family history. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so it’s best to have a cholesterol screening every four to six years and discuss lifestyle risks with a doctor.
5 Ways to Manage Work-from-Home Paranoia – Infographic
Click the image to fully view, download, and print this infographic (PDF).
What the Delta Variant Means for Return-to-Work Mask Policies
With a growing percentage of the United States population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, many localities and, in turn, employers, have eased mask mandates and policies. However, due to the spread of an emerging variant of coronavirus known as Delta, these policies may still need updating, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now announced updates to its mask guidelines.
In this newsletter:
- Protecting Against the Spread of Delta
- Updated CDC Guidance on Mask-wearing
- How Employers Are Reacting
- Mask Policy Considerations for Employers
When drafting or updating workplace policies, employers are recommended to seek advice from local legal counsel.
There are many variables that may influence what the appropriate mask policy is for a workplace, but employee safety should continue to be a priority for employers.
For more return-to-work resources, contact Evolution of Benefits today.
The Delta Variant and Return-to-Work COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
As the highly contagious and transmissible Delta variant spreads across the United States and the numbers of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise, many organizations are taking action to protect employees. In some cases, they are mandating that employees get vaccinated before returning to the workplace or encouraging them to do so.
For some employers, these actions make sense, as vaccination plays a key role in inhibiting the spread of Delta. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent coronavirus illness, hospitalization and death. This newsletter explores how employers are including COVID-19 vaccination policies in their return-to work plans.
Vaccination Workplace Policies
By being creative, flexible and adaptive in their approaches, employers are refining their workplace strategies and finding what works for their businesses and keeps their employees and customers safe. Given the current pandemic status, most employers are encouraging or mandating employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Layered Prevention Strategies
Even though studies continue to validate COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States are effective against severe illness and death from coronavirus infection, current vaccination coverage varies across the United States. Another way to protect against the Delta variant is to implement layered prevention strategies to reduce transmission.
Protecting Yourself from the Delta Variant with a COVID-19 Vaccine – Infographic
Click to download, and print this infographic in PDF form.
Client and Employee Resources
The more your employees understand your benefit plans the more they become educated, empowered consumers. The programs you provide will also gain an enhanced value.
As your strategic partners in employee benefits, we can provide multiple avenues of ongoing support, including:
- Employee Meetings (English and Spanish)
- Webcasts
- Payroll Stuffers
- Poster Campaigns
- Newsletters
Carrier Directories
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. Click the image below to begin.
