As today’s environment continues to suffer a shifting landscape regarding COVID-19, there are actions, policies and programs employers can implement to address the needs of their employees — starting with a safety plan to minimize risk of contracting the disease. An effective COVID-19 safety plan addresses three things: physical environment, employee testing and access to … [More]
For Health, Wellness and Safety, Communication Is Key
As employers work to reopen or ramp up their operations, they face the challenge of creating a work environment that helps to prevent new outbreaks while working to support employees impacted by COVID-19. A recent Cigna study found that one in seven COVID patients who were hospitalized have still not been able to return to work two months later — meaning that employers need to … [More]
Employee Input Informs Company Response
One of the first things we did in response to COVID-19 was pull together an infectious disease policy and make sure we had a plan for dealing with COVID-19 specifically. Because this was very new, our protocols had to flex as new and better information came to light. We identified a few trusted sources of information, including the CDC, who guided this effort. Beyond policies, … [More]
Local Groups Establish Public-Private Partnership to Help Phoenix’s Latino Communities Fight COVID-19
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it quickly became apparent that underserved, vulnerable communities would be hit the hardest and suffer the most. Unfortunately, the pandemic’s rapid sweep across Phoenix’s Latino community has confirmed this grim reality — and it’s been the same for most communities comprised of people of color across the nation. For example, data … [More]
Fundamental Changes Will Last Beyond COVID-19
COVID-19 fundamentally and overnight changed how employers have to address the health, wellness and safety of their employees. Employees are their greatest resource, and in an instant their safety was immediately in question — and not just physically, but mentally too. Businesses need three distinct programs in place to protect their employees while also instilling confidence … [More]
Promote Mental Health
Promoting mental health during this time of chaos is beneficial for the employer, the employees and the overall community. Employers should encourage their employees to practice a few mental health tips. Stick to a routine. Get up at the same time and shower before starting the day. Get outside. Exercise regularly and go for a walk outside between meetings. Vitamin D is … [More]
Employers Take a Fresh Look at the Workplace
As businesses return to normal operations, they should consider various changes, including the implementation of policies to uphold physical distancing — such as limiting gatherings and visitors and scheduling meetings via phone or video. Where feasible, structural changes can include temporarily closing communal spaces, repositioning work stations and adding signage to … [More]
Healthcare Trends Have Broad Scope
In recent years, employers have been restructuring their employee benefit packages to adjust to the changing needs of their workforce. More specifically, employers have been taking a more holistic approach that focuses on employees’ overall health and wellness. While standard healthcare plans remain a priority, we will see an expansion of preventive services in those plans. … [More]
See Healthcare in a Broad Context
My thoughts back in June were that the situation with COVID and a safe return-to-work policy was too complex for employers to manage without too much unnecessary risk. Here in October, my recommendations are still that employers use their employees’ doctors to take on the risks about return to work and COVID testing and treatment. Employers should rely heavily on the … [More]
Cara M. Christ, M.D., M.S., Arizona Department of Health Services
Healthcare is an essential part of the conversation when it comes to business and making Arizona a great place to live, work and raise our families. Across all industries, businesses have been critical partners in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Meanwhile, those in the healthcare sector have worked tirelessly to care for patients and look out for the health … [More]
Physical Intelligence – Key to Workplace Performance
We’re all familiar with cognitive intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ); what about physical intelligence? Right now, hundreds of chemicals racing through each of our bodies (in our bloodstream and nervous system) largely dictate how we think, feel, speak and behave. Most of us operate at the mercy of those chemicals — experiencing thoughts, reactions and emotions — … [More]
Helping Employees Get the Most Value out of Their Dental Benefits
In today’s employment scene, it is not uncommon for employers to provide access to medical and dental benefits to their employees. This is particularly meaningful, as insured employees are more likely to receive preventive care by virtue of this mutually beneficial arrangement. However, it is up to employers to help them get the most value out of their benefits. The … [More]
Testing, Testing, One, Two, Three
Scottsdale-based COVID Testing To You offers mobile, FDA-certified COVID-19 antibody and virus testing to Arizona employers with at least 10 employees, providing an affordable and scalable way for employers to manage through the reopening phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The startup’s medical director, Reyes Topete, M.D., has worked in the medical field in Arizona for more than … [More]
Feedback: November 2020
Question: What is the top health & wellness benefit concern of your employees, and how are you addressing their needs? Matthew Fehling President and CEO Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest Sector: Nonprofit This year has been tough. We can’t control much of anything right now, but we can do our best to help our employees feel supported at work. We pivoted … [More]
Free Healthy Worksite Wellness Training Returns this Week
FitPHX, the city’s healthy community initiative, is continuing its partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services to provide the free Healthy Arizona Worksites Program (HAWP). The program dates to 2014 and resumes this month with a two-day, live, interactive training session offered through the Zoom app. The class will be held Wednesday, October 28 and … [More]
National Telehealth Co. Solving Primary Care Shortage, Reducing Employers’ Costs
When COVID-19 hit the United States, telehealth quickly became the frontline solution for medical care. Not only did it stem the flow of patients to emergency rooms, but it provided a safe option for accessing care without risking exposure to a highly contagious virus. Seven months later, telehealth has become an indispensable part of the nation’s healthcare system. A new … [More]
Arizona Network Partners with Top Doctors, Hospitals and Pharmacies to Provide Family-Like Care
Devoted Health, one of the fastest-growing Medicare Advantage plans in the United States, has launched in Arizona across Maricopa County and is enrolling members during the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period that started on October 15. The company is dedicated to providing seniors with the best quality care and experience possible, with an emphasis on extraordinary … [More]
