HR Elements is brought to you courtesy of
Axial Benefits Group, LLC

Let us know how we can serve you. Call us at (781) 273-1425 or send us an email at shawna@axialbg.com.

In this April 2021 issue:

• Unpacking Severance
• Virtual Onboarding
• Telemedicine
• Multitasking
• Employer Webinar

Unpacking Severance

The global economy has suffered since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many businesses have had to come up with creative solutions to address declines in business such as furloughs, pay cuts or freezes on matching retirement contributions. The goal is that a temporary change may tide the company over until the business has adjusted to changes. Unfortunately, some companies have had to reduce headcount using a more permanent fix through a single or series of layoffs.

Virtual Onboarding: Welcome from Afar

In real life (IRL), a good first day at a new job may include donuts in the break room, a slew of in-person introductions and a load of branded company swag (mouse pad, coffee cup and pens). Companies have had to rethink their orientation process due to the increase in new hires starting day one from home. Virtual onboarding is a different animal! HR leaders and managers should think out of the box, or out of the office, to make new hires feel welcomed and included.

Telemedicine: Just a Phone Call Away

Prior to the pandemic, the idea of scheduling a virtual doctor appointment was about as novel as online dating was in the late ‘90s. Telemedicine was used by less than 5% of the U.S. population, primarily in the area of mental health with the emergence of new apps like Better Help and Talk Space. In-person doctor visits decreased as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases increased last spring. This decline forced many insurance companies to loosen restrictions on the previously limited use of telehealth appointments. Many doctors’ offices responded to the demand by taking advantage of this opportunity to figure out how to use telemedicine successfully.

Is Multitasking Dead or Alive?

Multitasking was once a characteristic touted by savvy workers who claimed to be highly efficient and productive. Women are particularly adept at this skill that requires bouncing from one task to another quickly. An onslaught of articles a few years ago told readers that multitasking effectively was a myth. Top business magazines like Harvard Business Review and the New York Times listed the many reasons multitasking overtaxed the brain and decreased cognitive functioning.

Employer Webinar

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

Tuesday, May 11th, 2021
2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The MHPAEA generally applies to group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide coverage for either mental health or substance use disorder (MH/SUD) benefits as well as medical/surgical benefits. The purpose of the MHPAEA is to ensure that plans and issuers treat MH/SUD benefits the same as major medical benefits by not imposing restrictions on MH/SUD benefits that do not apply to other benefits.