UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center is here to assist as needed!

11 Practical considerations and action items

Management Tip: FMLA rules have changed, and if you are under 500 employees, you need to read this article IN FULL.

IMPORTANT: Even if you are under 50 employees and normally are exempt from the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, these changes apply to you and go into effect around April 2. Essentially, the new law means that all companies must provide 80 hours of sick leave for all full-time employees. You will pay upfront to employees but be reimbursed fully by the federal government in the form of a refundable tax credit.

This is not in addition to other sick leave provided by the company but is before any other sorts of time off are to be used. There are nuances of how much you pay based upon the reason for sick leave. This sick leave can only be used for pre-approved Coronavirus issues. Read here for more.

Management Tip: Have you modeled your cash position?

Cash is king, and there are two programs that might help you - the SBA disaster relief loans and an employee furloughing program - as a way to reduce hours without laying your people off... read more

Management Tip: Explore your insurance coverage

Everyone's business interruption insurance and general insurance is different, but you don't want to miss out if something shuts you down. Get in front of your lawyer and broker right now...read more. Here is a bulletin posted by The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

Management Tip: Double down on your customers, they are still your lifeblood

While this crisis is likely going to get worse before better, communicate and be there for your customers as a top priority. Do not let urgency be the enemy of the important... Read more.

HR Tip: What about OSHA, HR and safety concerns related to the virus?

Culled from hundreds of questions, here are the top HR questions we have heard. Review answers and the full list of questions here.  

HR  Tip: How will unemployment changes in WI affect me?

The state is changing requirements for unemployment right now, and rates may go up in the future. Read more.

HR Tip: Now is the time to build company loyalty (and dispel crazy rumors).

Understanding what you can do to help your employees feel calm and share real information about this pandemic is critical. We have compiled the best resources here. Read more.

IT Tip: With strange times, come more attempts to phish, beware.  Make sure you have updated your cybersecurity.

There has been a rise in phishing schemes taking advantage of panic-stricken employees.  It never hurts to reinforce the need to respond appropriately to strange emails. Read more: Imposters pretending to be from the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronavirus Scams, Telework Security Basics

Operations Tip: How are other manufacturers protecting themselves in their plant?

South Korean companies are the gold standard these days. We have compiled some of their best practices. Read more.

Operations Tip: Are you disinfecting all the areas you need to with EPA-approved COVID cleaners?

All surfaces are not the same, it’s critical to follow the proper procedure for disinfecting based on the type of surface being disinfected.  The specific procedure for disinfecting the variety of surface at your manufacturing facility varies depending upon the type of cleaner you are using (make sure it is EPA registered product against coronavirus and that you leave it on the surface for long enough).  One local companies products are sure to do that if you are concerned: https://www.stateindustrial.com/disinfecting-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

EPA List here https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Management Tip: Will you look for the opportunity even in this disaster?

We are all going to have to hunker down and survive first, but as leaders we must continue looking to the future to provide hope and to make sure that when things are better, we are better. Read more

The UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center and the MEP National Network have compiled a one-stop shop for many of your questions, big and small.

As we gather new information we will be updating our resource page. MOC will be by your side when you need us. We are committed to helping the manufacturing community stay strong.

Start the conversation by connecting with us at 866-880-2262 or by online form.