Dual Spikes: COVID + Extreme Heat

Recent CDC data indicates COVID-19 cases are rising across the country. While rates remain lower than previous spikes, it’s a reminder for business leaders to think ahead to protect workers and their families.

The time is now to develop a proactive approach to protect your workforce, not just from COVID-19, but from other threats including extreme heat and loneliness at work. Read on to learn how your business can take action today to support your employees.  

In Today’s Newsletter:

• COVID-19 Cases are Rising: Think ahead to help support employees
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• Extreme Heat Continues: Tips to protect your workforce
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• Loneliness at Work: Learn how Fortune 500 leaders are building belonging
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COVID Cases Are Rising
Think ahead to help support employees

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has warned of an increase in COVID-19 cases. Despite the uptick, CDC spokesperson Kathleen Conley told CBS News: “U.S. COVID-19 rates are still near historic lows after seven months of steady declines.”

• ‍What this means for your company: Rising COVID-19 rates are a reminder that employers play an important role in encouraging vaccinations and boosters to help employees stay safe.
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• Going further: It’s not just employees – by providing PTO or flexible schedules for working parents to vaccinate their children, employers can advance health equity and reduce absenteeism.
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• Start here: We’ve developed key messages and communications tips for employers to help inform conversations with your workforce.
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COVID-19 Tips for Employers

Extreme Heat Continues
Tips to protect your workforce

Intense heat waves and rampant wildfires continue to plague the nation, causing high temperatures and spreading toxic smoke. These hazardous conditions have taken a toll on the health and well-being of residents across the country.

• ‍What this means for your company: Extreme temperatures can pose significant health risks for employees, making it crucial for businesses to develop and implement effective heat wave policies.
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• Going further: Former Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) chief David Michaels wrote in The Atlantic that America’s employers are struggling to keep workers safe in such extreme conditions.
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• Start here: We've outlined 5 tips to protect employees from extreme heat.
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Extreme Heat Tips

Loneliness at Work
Learn how Fortune 500 leaders are building belonging

The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that we are facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Business leaders from Google, Eventbrite and Thermo Fisher Scientific recently joined us to share how they are tackling this epidemic with their teams.

• ‍What this means for your company: 62% of American workers say they experience high levels of loneliness – which could be having an enormous impact on both your employees and the health of your business. Research shows that workers who lack connection are less productive, more withdrawn and experience higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression.
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• Going further: One way to address loneliness at work is to actively cultivate a sense of belonging. When employees feel like they belong at work, both their mental health and work performance improve. Our employer guide offers tips and resources to cultivate belonging in your workplace.
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• Start here: Watch the full video from our event and read our key takeaways to start taking action at your company.

Event Summary

What We’re Reading

• ‍The Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy outlined how pharmacies are taking action to address HIV in partnership with HAA’s U.S. Business Action to End HIV. Many pharmacy chains are expanding access to HIV services, testing and medication.
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• ‍Five million calls, chats and texts have been fielded by the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline since it launched last year. We’re holding a workshop on August 25 to help employers develop a plan for National Suicide Prevention Month in September. Get in touch if you would like to participate.
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• August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of getting routine vaccinations. To participate and find resources to help raise awareness, check out the CDC’s dedicated page.
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• This year’s National HIV Testing Day was the most successful yet, thanks to a range of public-private partnership successes, including from the members of HAA’s U.S. Business Action to End HIV. Here’s a roundup of this year’s events from HIV.gov.  

Key Health Stats

• ‍Fortune: 46 million Americans struggle with substance-use disorders. Join us on September 14 for our Recovery-Ready Workplaces National Employer Town Hall to learn more.‍
• Time: Extreme Heat Is Endangering America's Workers — and Its Economy. These extreme temperatures will take “an estimated $100 billion annual toll on the economy in lost productivity, increased workers’ comp premiums, lawsuits, and health care costs.”