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Event trends designed to keep guests safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
Jonathan Morse Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now thinking of health and safety more seriously, especially when it comes to public places with large crowds — including events. In order to keep guests safe and aid in the prevention of spreading illness or disease, there are certain new measures event coordinators must take. Let’s take a look at some creative event trends designed to keep guests safe when they return to events post-lockdown.
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Workplace survivor syndrome is another consequence of COVID-19 for businesses
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementCOVID-19 has resulted in the loss of over 210,000 lives, but also the loss of livelihood for many Americans. According to September data from the U.S. Labor Department, 2.4 million people are experiencing long-term joblessness. By November, that number could more than double. While the employees who are still employed may feel grateful or fortunate, Challenger, Gray & Christmas present another emotion that these workers may experience: guilt. The executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas recently recommended that companies acknowledge their remaining employees may be dealing with survivor’s guilt and find a way to deal with it.
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Engaging visitors at your virtual trade show booth
Joanne Brooks Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe attendees at your next trade show probably won’t show up. Instead, they’ll sign in. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced most businesses to bring in person meetings and conferences online, trade shows soon followed suit. “Attendee” avatars now roam virtual trade show booths in search of content that is both informative and engaging. But while most businesses know how to make trade show booth materials informative, making them engaging is a different task entirely.
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The ultimate WFH guide: Everything you need to create the perfect home…
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWorking from home is the new normal for millions of Americans. In the past, you may have occasionally worked from home — which typically involved balancing a laptop on your knee or creating some space on your kitchen countertop. But now that you’re working from home on a regular basis, neither is a viable option. However, creating an effective (and comfortable) work-from-home office space includes various components. We rounded up a variety of interior designers, organizers and other experts, along with some of the coolest WFH items, to create the ultimate home office guide.
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How to choose a health insurance plan for a small business
Amanda Kowalski Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementRunning a small business has a lot of demands, including everything from perfecting your products to fixing an overflowing toilet. But one of the trickiest parts can be finding the right health insurance for you and your employees. Under the Affordable Care Act, companies with 50 or more full-time employees or the equivalent in part-time employees have to provide health insurance to employees and their dependents or pay a fine. Smaller businesses with fewer employees, however, are exempt. So, should your small business provide insurance? That depends on several factors.
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A signed commitment to serve
David Aaker and Bob Harris Association ManagementIt is not unusual to hear a volunteer leader say, "I was told you won’t have to do anything when you get on the board." It’s a hoax. Board service is an honor and opportunity. With it comes fiduciary duties to represent member interests, protect and build resources, and advance the mission. Should board orientation be mandatory? Do board members sign a commitment form?
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No federal deal yet: What are the consequences of no stimulus?
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementDiscussions for a new relief/stimulus bill fell apart this week, apparently. It began with tumult, as President Trump, infected with COVID-19 and taking a cocktail of drugs, tweeted on Oct. 6 that federal aid for the economic harm from the pandemic will resume after the Nov. 3 election. He then reversed that position, muddying the waters. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin discussed a stand-alone bailout of air carriers facing financial distress and making thousands of job cuts.
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Coming to your workplace soon: Legal protections against hair discrimination
D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementEmployers routinely try to control employees’ professional appearance at work through personal appearance policies in their employee handbooks. Now, unwitting employers risk claims of discrimination based on hairstyle under a new type of law or legal theory that is taking hold across the country. Last year, California passed the CROWN Act, short for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, which prohibits discrimination based on natural hair style and texture. That law has become a model for similar legislation in other states, counties and cities.
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Study: Coronavirus crisis is a mentorship opportunity unfilled by most…
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe pandemic has changed how we work, but it hasn’t necessarily changed the fact that employees are still interested in career development. While the opportunity for face-to-face training or coaching has been paused, companies can still take advantage of mentorship opportunities. According to a new study by Doodle, 49% of people don’t think they’re receiving enough coaching, training, or mentoring to successfully advance their careers. And half of those respondents would describe their career development as "stalled" or "regressing backward."
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Freelance economy surges in the age of COVID-19
Dave G. Houser Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the American economy and created high levels of unemployment, at least one element of the workforce has flourished in 2020. Freelancers have swept in to fill the jobs gap left by the rapidly spreading virus. According to a survey conducted in July by Upwork — a platform that connects businesses and freelancers –— more than 59 million Americans performed freelance work in the past year, representing 36% of the total workforce. This was a 22% increase since 2019.
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