Only a few years ago, the big issue regarding healthcare was how much responsibility an employer should or could take for his or her employees. Insofar as its economic impact registered, the focus was on small-business owners. The current pandemic has pushed healthcare issues into broader debate: impact on and responsibility of the individual; impact on and responsibility of … [More]
Pandemic Emphasizes Importance of Employee Wellness Programs
Employers know that healthy employees are a company’s best ambassadors in the community. Whether a business is large or small, a strong employee wellness and safety program is paramount to a productive work force. At Abrazo Health, we’ve always had a comprehensive benefits program that supported employee wellness, and have offered resources for crisis support for individuals … [More]
Testing Is Part of the Plan
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]
En Negocios
Presentamos la sección empresarial en español En Negocios, con nuevos artículos semanales en www.InBusinessPhx.com ¡El bilingüismo es una herramienta para el éxito empresarial! COVID-19 y las fuerzas geopolíticas han brillado una luz en el valor de la conciencia multicultural en el mercado. En In Business Magazine, nos enorgullece anunciar nuestra nueva sección de … [More]
10 Ways the Pandemic Has Changed the Way We Do Business
As states across the country start talking about “reopening America,” small-business owners find themselves pivoting their business models almost overnight. With the reality of a new normal setting in in a post-COVID world, small businesses now have to adapt to the changes this pandemic has created for consumer behaviors and supply chains around the world. Here are a few … [More]
Bilingualism is a tool for business success!
COVID-19 and geopolitical forces have shined a light on the value of multicultural awareness in the marketplace. At In Business Magazine, we are proud to announce our new Spanish business section, En Negocios, which contains articles in two languages on topics like sales, leadership, economy and finance. Every week, I share insights and knowledge on business trends that … [More]
¡El bilingüismo es una herramienta para el éxito empresarial!
COVID-19 y las fuerzas geopolíticas han brillado una luz en el valor de la conciencia multicultural en el mercado. En In Business Magazine, nos enorgullece anunciar nuestra nueva sección de negocios en español, En Negocios, que contiene artículos en dos idiomas sobre temas como ventas, liderazgo, economía y finanzas. Cada semana, comparto ideas y conocimientos sobre las … [More]
Learning Pods: The Future of the Workforce
Mention heutagogy, and there will be blank stares. It’s an approach that celebrates self-directed lifelong learning skills and is a good fit for workplaces. The term was coined some two decades ago. It’s not necessarily a solo activity, either. Learning hooks into social and emotional domains and is a skill one needs to keep sharp and finesse. The World Bank has been on … [More]
Big Data Principles Help Brands Understand Market Position
A recent article in The Guardian discussed how big data can track the COVID economic slump; similar to what this shows of how economists are looking at new economic markers thanks to big data, there are signals that brands should be looking at to make strategic decisions for long-term planning. Some of the signals may seem obvious but, for many brands, figuring out what is … [More]
