Editor’s Note: A version of this story appeared in CNN’s Work Transformed newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free, here.
The Covid-related workplace lawsuits have begun.
Hundreds of labor and employment cases pertaining to the pandemic have been filed nationwide, reports CNN’s Robert Kuznia, who cited two legal trackers.
And this is likely just the tip of the iceberg.
“You are going to see that number grow exponentially over the next six months to one year,” Joseph Seiner, a law professor at the University of South Carolina, told Kuznia. “I think you are on the front end of a tidal wave.”
Some experts say concerns about being sued could stop some businesses from moving forward with re-opening plans.
There’s debate over whether employers should have liability protections from any coronavirus-related lawsuits brought by workers. The most recent stimulus bill from Republicans, for example, includes some hotly debated protections for employers.
Read more about what this all means for workers and employers.
Easing the strain on working parents
Offering paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child isn’t enough anymore.
“Covid has accelerated the demand for programs that retain and attract working parents – specifically working mothers,” said Sarahjane Sacchetti, CEO of Cleo, a family benefits platform, told me.
But when it comes to offering parents support right now, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What’s helpful to a parent of a toddler is going to be much different than what a parent with a house full of teenagers may need.
Some employers are offering workers more flexible schedules and allowing for things like split shifts, swapping workdays for weekend days and four day workweeks.
Other companies are providing financial support. For instance, Bank of America is offering eligible employees daily childcare reimbursements of $75 or $100, depending on their compensation, through the end of the year.
Click here to read more about what companies are doing.
Let’s get to know each other better
It’s been six months since many of us started to work from home – and since we launched this newsletter!
I think it’s about time we got to know each other better, don’t you? So let’s start talking. I want to learn more about your work situation and hear about all the tricks you’ve picked up to balance work and life.
Beginning next week, we will start sending out the newsletter just once a week on Tuesdays. This will give me more time to interact with you and to possibly feature your tips and stories in our Work Transformed newsletter or on CNN.com.
So for this week, tell me: Have you returned to the office? I want to hear about what it’s like to work in an office – or elsewhere – during the pandemic. Email me at worktransformed@cnn.com. (I am reading your notes!)
Paying workers to help out on Election Day
Election Day can’t happen without poll workers. And this year, there is an urgent need for people to work at polling stations.
Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta are giving employees the option to work the polls this year and still get paid.
And the president of Old Navy is encouraging other employers to do the same.
“We recognize many people are forced to choose between their workday and working the polls. We don’t want our teams to have to make that choice,” Nancy Green writes for CNN Business’ Perspectives.
Workers who aren’t able to serve as poll workers will get up to three hours of paid time off to cast their votes.
Read more about the decision here.
And the best company award goes to….
Working Mother released its annual 100 Best Companies list and the top spot for 2020 goes to…
EY! (formerly known as Ernst & Young)
The accounting firm offers 16 weeks of paid gender-neutral leave, according to Working Mother.
All the companies on the list offer paid maternity leave, with this year’s companies offering an average of 11 weeks.
Other companies in the top 10 include Bank of America, Deloitte, IBM and Johnson & Johnson.
Coffee break
Even Pepsi thinks we’re too stressed these days.
The food and beverage giant introduced “Driftwell” earlier this week. The drink contains ingredients, including L-theanine, that aim to promote relaxation and to help ease stress, reports my CNN Business colleague Alicia Wallace.
The company classifies its latest creation as an “enhanced water” and plans to launch it online later this year and in stores early next year.
Hey, at this point I’ll try anything!
