‘Tis the Season
This year has taught us lessons we could not have imagined a year ago: lessons on time management, work-life integration, and overcoming professional and personal hurdles. Even in the best of times, the end of the calendar year can be extremely busy for many organizations. For individuals, this time of year also brings hectic schedules […]
Giving Thanks
We wanted to take a moment to say “Thank You” to our family, friends, and clients for your support during this unusual year. While not diminishing the struggles we all have had and may continue to have, we have found some unexpected silver linings and hope through this difficult time. We wanted to share our […]
Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #10
UPDATE 11/22/20 On November 20, 2020 PHMDC amended the definition of “mass gathering” under Amended Emergency Order #10. A mass gathering is now “any gathering of individuals that are not members of the same household or living unit.” UPDATE 11/17/20 Starting Wednesday, November 18, in Dane County, all indoor mass gatherings are banned and all […]
Employee Holiday Travel during COVID-19
Traditionally, November and December are months when employees take more time off to travel and/or spend time with family and friends for holidays. This year, employers and employees need to consider the health risks involved in traveling and group gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reality is that employees’ increased exposure to COVID-19 can […]
Governor Evers Recommends Continued COVID Mitigation Efforts
On November 10, 2020, Governor Evers presented a public address and signed Executive Order #94, strongly advising that all residents and businesses continue following stringent COVID-mitigation efforts. While this order has no enforcement capability, it serves as a reminder to minimize interactions outside of households. For businesses, it provides no new restrictions, but it reiterates […]
Benefit Limits for 2021
Each year, the IRS sets new limits for High Deductible Health Plans, Health Savings Accounts, and Flexible Benefit Plans. Please see below for our ready reference chart setting forth the Benefits Limits for the 2021 tax year. Download Table 2021 2020 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Healthcare FSA max election (per year) (incl. LTD FSA) $2,750 […]
Employees Must Notify Their Employers of Positive COVID-19 Result
According to a November 4, 2020 blog post, Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) will no longer notify employers that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19 unless the employee works for a school, or a childcare, healthcare, or congregate living facility. Instead, employees are responsible for notifying their employer if they tested positive, and […]
Close Contact in the Workplace: Think 6-15-24-48
The CDC has updated its definition of “close contact” and it is now referred to as the “6-15-24-48 analysis.” The updated guidance defines a “close contact” as someone who was: within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from two days (48 hours) […]
OSHA Issues Guidance on Reporting Work-Related COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Deaths
On September 30, 2020, OSHA published new guidance on employers’ obligations to report employee in-patient hospitalizations and fatalities resulting from work-related cases of COVID-19. Employers must report hospitalizations with 24 hours: In order to be reportable, an employee’s in-patient hospitalization due to COVID-19 must occur within 24 hours of exposure to the virus at work. […]
Annual Benefit Notice Requirements
As employers prepare for their annual benefit renewal process, they should also note the compliance notices that must be provided to employees. Lake Effect has compiled a list of benefit related notices for employers to review. Some notices should be distributed to new hires during orientation, and some need to be distributed to current employees annually. […]
