Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Workplace

Resources to help your business manage through uncertainty

As communities throughout the world respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we know that this time presents unique challenges for businesses. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you navigate this for your employees and customers. For the most timely information and guidance on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please monitor the World Health Organization website.

Thread Connects
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Lori Winters discusses Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on businesses

From Lori Winters
Thread’s CEO/Founder

RESOURCE SERIES
COVID-19 Q&A Townhalls

TBA | 11:00 am – Noon 

Town Halls are virtual sessions where anyone in the audience can ask relevant questions and the Thread Team will answer real time. All resources are made available for download after the session ends.

We are striving to bring you relevant information that is necessary to tackle the new challenges every business is facing today as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

As a small business, we understand the importance of making every minute you spend with us really count. We will host new webinars in this series only when critical and actionable new information is available that may impact your employees and your business.

  • This program is NOT valid for SHRM or HRCI credits
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

WATCH ON DEMAND
Catch Up with Past Webinars

Past webinars are arranged chronologically from newest to oldest. Each contains a brief synopsis, a video of the event, and downloadable slides with the key points of the presentation. Get even more tips and information by subscribing to The Daily Thread.

TOWNHALL Client Exclusive! How to Run the PPP Report

Town Hall: Client Exclusive | How to Run the PPP Reports in iSolved

Lori Winters, CEO of Thread and Matt Mitcham, COO, join us live to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times.

This week we sit down in a client exclusive webinar to share the PPP Report in iSolved and help you learn how to complete it.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUT SLIDES ↓

DOWNLOAD FULL-PAGE SLIDES ↓

DOWNLOAD iSOLVED INSTRUCTIONS

TOWNHALL Q&A: NEW SBA Simplified App | 06/23/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO of Thread and Scott Mastley, CHRO, join us live to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times.

This week we discuss the NEW SBA Simplified Forgiveness App, the EZ App and more PPP guidance. Plus new laws affecting your workplace and LBGTQ+.

DOWNLOAD HANDOUT SLIDES ↓

DOWNLOAD FULL-PAGE SLIDES ↓

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE RETURN TO WORK LETTERS ↓

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE RECALL LETTER ↓

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE TRAVEL POLICY ↓

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE RETURN TO WORK CHECKLIST ↓

PPP Loan Forgiveness EZ Instructions

PPP Loan Forgiveness EZ Application

PPP Loan Forgiveness Instructions

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application

TOWNHALL Q&A: NEW PPP EXTENSION BILL | 06/04/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO of Thread and Scott Mastley, CHRO, join us live to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times.

This week we discuss the bill for the PPP Extension which passed the Senate last night!

DOWNLOAD HANDOUT SLIDES ↓

DOWNLOAD FULL-PAGE SLIDES ↓

THREAD CONNECTS: GUIDE TO PPP FORGIVENESS APPLICATION | 05/29/2020

How-To: PPP Forgiveness Application: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO of Thread, offers a step-by-step guide to the PPP Forgiveness Application! Click here to access the slides!

TOWNHALL Q&A: COVID-19 SERIES | TUESDAY 05/19/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO of Thread, Matt Mitcham, COO, and Scott Mastley, CHRO, join us live to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times.

This week we discuss the newly released PPP Forgiveness Application!

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓

TOWNHALL Q&A: COVID-19 SERIES | TUESDAY 05/12/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO, and Scott Mastley, CHRO, join us live to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times.

This week, we get more detailed into the PPP and forgiveness, EIDL, and specifics regarding returning to work.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓

Sample Recall Letters for Employees
Sample Return to Work Communication
Sample Travel Policy
Top 5 Q&A for Churches
Accounting for PPP Loans per Windam Brannon
Sample Bank Loan Forgiveness Tracker
Sample PPP Loan Tracker

TOWNHALL Q&A: COVID-19 SERIES | TUESDAY 05/05/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO, Scott Mastley, CHRO, and Matt Mitcham, COO, come together (virtually, of course!) to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times.

This week, we address the PPP and returning to the office.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓

Sample Letters for Employees

TOWNHALL Q&A: COVID-19 SERIES | TUESDAY 04/28/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO, Scott Mastley, CHRO, and Matt Mitcham, COO, come together (virtually, of course!) to answer your questions surrounding your business and employees during these times. We will begin by addressing the following:

  • CARES 3.5
  • Loan Forgiveness
  • Has your model changed?
  • What do we say to…?
  • How do we hire/rehire?
  • Virtual management
DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓
Return to Work Checklist

TOWNHALL Q&A: COVID-19 SERIES | TUESDAY 04/14/2020

Town Hall Q&A: COVID-19 Series: Answers for Business Leaders

Lori Winters, CEO of Thread, Scott Mastley, CHRO, and Matt Mitcham, COO, break down information on the PPP, SBA loan, Unemployment, and how iSolved can handle your reporting during these times. We answered your questions live, and will continue to provide these Town Halls as needed through the duration of COVID-19’s impact.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓
State Filing Relief ↓

COVID-19 RESOURCE SERIES 3 | TUESDAY 03/31/2020

COVID-19 Series: CARES Act Answers for Business Leaders

A lot has happened in the past few days, and our CEO, Lori Winters, has been reading and researching, and reaching out to her connections for answers. Join us as Lori breaks down the CARES Act, what it means for you, and how to apply for assistance.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓
CARES Act Details ↓

COVID-19 RESOURCE SERIES 2 | TUESDAY 03/24/2020

COVID-19 Answers – Legal: Families First Act & Best Practices for Business Leaders

We joined our expert guest presenter Greg Hare of Ogletree Deakins will discuss the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, as well as sharing business best practices during the pandemic.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓

COVID-19 ANSWERS SERIES 1 | FRIDAY 03/20/2020

Now What? Answers for Business Owners/Leaders during COVID-19

We answered some of the top questions for business owners and leaders regarding their organizations and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic … What does the emergency FMLA expansion act require?  How much paid sick leave is required? What if my business slows down? Can employees get unemployment benefits if we reduce their hours? Can we reduce pay rates to survive this? Should we be thinking about layoffs? … and many other critical issues facing business leaders like you.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES ↓

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Small business owners in the following designated states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Click here to apply.

Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans at: SBA.gov/Disaster.

USB: U.S. Small Business Administration 


HR Help

Workplace health and safety have always been an important part of HR. When faced with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the potential impacts to your workforce, focus on communication, education, planning, and preparation. 

What and How to Communicate

A well-conceived communication plan will keep your people informed with simple, transparent messages. It’ll help you and your employees better process and manage any changes to day-to-day business. It’ll also help keep everyone cool, calm, and collected in a panic-prone situation.

Focus on: Communication, Education, Planning, and Preparation.

Set the Tone

  • Your communication strategy should show employees you care about them.
  • Share your plan to help keep employees healthy and what actions the business will take when people get sick.
  • Use statements that don’t create a sense of concern, but instill confidence.
  • Provide any available resources, what to do in particular situations, and encourage employees to remain calm.
  • Avoid answering questions prematurely. You may not have all the answers, and while that can feel overwhelming, try to focus on the info you do have and be transparent.

What areas of your business are at risk?

You may already see signs of coronavirus’ impact on your organization. The possibility of a prolonged crisis can disrupt all business areas, from your workforce to third-party dependencies, to supply and distribution.

Let’s look at how you can prepare to address interruptions in the short- and long-term. Partner with other areas of your company to come up with a business continuity plan. If you need an example, take a look at this sample FEMA checklist or check out Ready, a national public service campaign to help people prepare for emergencies.

Preparedness Checklist

  • Review your HR policies. Modify any as needed to give greater flexibility to normal working arrangements.
  • Create a communication plan that provides employees with regular updates.
  • Ensure employees can effectively work from home. Verify you have the tools, technology, capacity, and security measures to support a large remote workforce.
  • Determine your priorities and the minimum staffing requirements needed in case you must operate with a reduced workforce.
  • Identify key employees and ensure other staff members have been trained to cover their absence.

Preparing for a Pandemic: Review Business Continuity Plans Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Global & Federal Sources

It’s important to get info directly from the experts to stay up to date on Coronavirus (COVID-19). Changes happen fast.

COVID-19 in Georgia

Check local health official’s reports and status updates to know what’s happening locally.

Thread ENGAGE - Coronavirus (COVID-19): Workplace Resources

HR CONSULTING SERVICES

A partner in your business – Thread Engage helps your organization bridge the gap as you grow, by reducing risk, implementing best practices, training your team and engaging your people.