HUMAN RESOURCES
NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2020
Beauty Amidst Chaos, photo by Rebecca Portis, Mount Airy
MEMO FROM MARK APG Associates, As you’re all undoubtedly aware, we are in the midst of an unprecedented medical and economic crisis. APG’s first priority is the health and well-being of our Associates. To that end, we’ve locked down our buildings to transient and visitation traffic, and continue to aggressively clean our facilities to ensure a safe work environment. We are keeping our facilities open, as news media has been designated by the DHS as an “essential service.” In times like these, “essential” is an understatement. In addition, we’re doing everything we can to avoid job losses, furloughs, and print frequency reductions so that when we cycle out of this, we’re in a position to ramp back up quickly. These interim decisions are painful, I know. The advertising losses are substantial, as most of our preprint customers have suspended their programs, and many of our customers are simply closed for business. Our commercial printing customers have, for the most part, either cut way back or suspended altogether. Tough times, but it’s my belief we will survive our way through this and be well-positioned for the recovery. I’d like to thank each and every one of you for your hard work during this crisis. More to do with fewer hours is an enormous challenge for sure. Most of our communities are without any other local news outlets but ours, and the work that our content teams are doing is even more critical than ever. I firmly believe we’ll get through this by working together. Mark Adams
HUMAN RESOURCES
RESOURCES FOR ALL ASSOCIATES IMPACTED BY REDUCED HOURS What if I am temporarily laid off work because business has slowed down as a result of COVID-19 or my hours are reduced? If you are laid off work temporarily or if your hours are reduced due to a business slowdown or a lack of demand as a result of COVID-19, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits. In order to determine eligibility, you must first apply for unemployment. If you’re temporarily out of work or working reduced hours due to COVID-19, select one of those two separation reasons when filing your claim. Alabama https://labor.alabama.gov/unemployment.aspx
North Carolina https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information
Delaware https://ui.delawareworks.com/
Ohio http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm
Florida https://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/florida-unemployment/
Oregon www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
Georgia https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment-benefits
Tennessee JOBS4TN.GOV
Idaho https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Unemployment-Benefits
Utah Jobs.utah.gov/index.html
Kentucky http://www.kewes.ky.gov/
Virginia http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed
Maryland https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml
Washington https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment
Michigan https://miwam.unemployment.state.mi.us/ClmMiWAM/_/
Washington DC https://does.dc.gov/service/start-your-unemploymentcompensation-process
Minnesota https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/ covid-19.jsp Montana https://montanaworks.gov/
Wisconsin https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/ Wyoming WYUI.wyo.gov
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER
In an effort to be of assistance to some of our associates who are currently struggling to purchase food, we are encouraging those associates who are able to lend a helping hand. Please bring any canned food or non-perishable goods you are able to donate to your location and they will be distributed to those in need. We appreciate all of our associates as we work together to help one another during these uncertain times in our country. 2
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
COVID-19: BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD OF MINNESOTA IS HERE FOR YOU Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s top priority is to ensure the health and safety of its members and are there to support you every step of the way. BCBS MN is committed to providing you with information you need to make informed decisions about your health care. If you have questions about your coverage of coronavirus testing and treatment, please call the phone number on the back of your Blue Cross member ID card. Virtual care is an excellent option if you need to seek the care of a physician. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending video visits to help avoid exposure to illness in the hospital or doctor’s office. Doctor on Demand provides access to board-certified physicians via video conferencing. You can connect via video from anywhere with internet access. Doctor on Demand is now free to all Associates who are enrolled in either HDHP or LDHP with no co-pay, not just for COVID-19 but for other illnesses as well. Blue Cross will support any members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 with care management support. Care managers provide knowledgeable guidance when managing a medical condition, including explaining
your diagnosis, answering questions between doctor visits and helping you manage your condition. If you take prescription medications, be sure you have an adequate supply on hand. Blue Cross has waived early refill limits on prescription maintenance medications for members in plans that have Prime Therapeutics as the pharmacy benefits manager. We also encourage members to consider using 90-day mail order options for their prescriptions as available. If you have questions, please call the number on the back of your Blue Cross member ID card. As the situation evolves, Blue Cross will continue to follow the developing guidance of local and federal health officials regarding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Ongoing updates and information can be found at bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus. The best resource for the most up-to-date public health information on COVID-19 is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help prevent the disease from spreading to others, see this list of recommendations from the CDC.
VIRTUAL CARE WITH DOCTOR ON DEMAND
TM
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HUMAN RESOURCES
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS Most cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) are mild, but its spread throughout the United States continues. As there is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
SYMPTOMS
MOST PEOPLE WHO BECOME INFECTED WITH COVID-19 EXPERIENCE MILD ILLNESS AND RECOVER, BUT IT CAN BE MORE SEVERE FOR OTHERS. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
RUNNY NOSE
• Stay home when you are sick • Cover your cough or sneeze with a
COUGH
tissue; throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
SHAKING CHILLS
FEVER
• Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
• CDC does not recommend that
people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from COVID-19
• Facemasks should be used by DIFFICULT BREATHING
THROAT PAIN
people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others
• Wash your hands often with soap and
SYMPTOMS FOR COVID-19 MAY APPEAR 2-14 DAYS AFTER EXPOSURE AND MAY INCLUDE FEVER, COUGH, AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH. TO LEARN MORE, VISIT https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
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water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• If soap and water are not
available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if they are visibly dirty
HUMAN RESOURCES
APG INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL POLICY We hope that you and your loved ones are well. We as a company are trying to manage the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our end so we have developed the attached infectious disease control policy. As the virus continues to spread and more businesses are forced to limit operations, we’re dealing with this evolving situation on a daily basis. For guidelines on remote work and other considerations please see the following policy and discuss it with your publisher and regional president. We will handle remote work or telework in an orderly fashion so high risk candidates will have the first opportunity so a telework submission form will need to be completed, editorial will be second, advertising third and everyone else will follow them. Some
associates due to the nature of their job will not qualify for telework but will be given a full explanation on why. While we work through the process please continue to follow the CDC and WHO recommendations for avoiding contracting the disease - avoid touching your face, wash your hands with warm soapy water often, cough into your elbow, stay at least 6 feet apart, and if you feel sick, stay home. You can log on to workforcenow.adp.com go to resources company policies - infectious disease policy to review this policy. You will have a message in your messages in ADP as well to review and acknowledge the policies. Managers will receive a Telework submission form from their Regional President.
Name _____________________ Title _________________ Department ________________ Supervisor ______________ Dates I would like to Telework (No more than 5 days at a time to be renewed on a weekly basis refer to Infectious Disease Policy): __________________ Please describe how you think your job responsibilities are suited for Telework:____________________________________
Employee Teleworker Check List: • What type of internet do you have? o Cable o DSL o Fiber o Satelite o Cell Phone/Jet Pack • How fast is it? (Use one or the other to test)
IT
Name of software? ___________________________
I have checked the associate’s internet connection, operating system and antivirus and I believe this associate is a good candidate for telework. IT Signature ________________________ Date __________
Publisher I have discussed the possibility of telework with the abovementioned associate. I believe this associate is a good candidate based on job responsibilities and performance in his or her current position.
o https://speedtest.net Upload?______ Download?______ Ping?______
Supervisor’s Signature________________ Date ___________
o https://speedcheck.org Upload?______ Download?______ Latency______
I have discussed telework with my supervisor and understand that my application does not guarantee that I will be eligible to telework. I have read the telework policy and understand that it is not an entitlement and that it is not appropriate for every employee. I understand that telework can be terminated at any time by Adams Publishing Group and is not meant to be a permanent solution.
• Do you have Wifi? _____________________________ • Is your internet connection where you can setup the computer or is it another part of the house? __________ • Is there a place to plug a wire for a computer? _______ • What type of computer do you have at home? o Windows, Mac, Linux? _________________________ o Operation system version? _______________________ o Antivirus? _______ Current subscription? __________________________
Telework Applicant
Applicant’s Signature ___________________Date _________
Regional President Approval ___________ Disapproval ___________ Reason:________________________________________ Signature _________________________ Date __________ 5
LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP
THE RESOURCES YOU NEED TO MEET LIFE’S CHALLENGES INCLUDING COVID-19 Life has its share of ups and downs — and sometimes you may need a little guidance. EmployeeConnect SM services included with your long-term disability insurance offer an array of confidential services to help you and your loved ones meet the challenges that life, work, and relationships can bring.
resources that you can research and access on your own just by visiting www.GuidanceResources.com. There you can find articles and tutorials, streaming videos, and interactive tools - including financial calculators, budgeting spreadsheets, and a language translator.
WITH YOUR EMPLOYEECONNECTSM BENEFITS, YOU RECEIVE UNLIMITED 24/7 ASSISTANCE. YOU CAN ACCESS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ANYTIME, ONLINE OR VIA A TOLL-FREE CALL:
EmployeeConnect SM counselors are experienced and credentialed. When you call the toll-free line (888-628-4824), you’ll talk to an experienced professional who will provide counseling, work-life advice, and referrals. All counselors hold master’s degrees, with broad-based clinical skills and at least three years of experience in counseling on a variety of issues. For face-to-face meetings, you will be referred to a fully credentialed, state-licensed clinician.
• Information, resources, and referrals on family matters, such
as child and elder care; kennels and pet care; event and vacation planning; moving and relocation; car buying; college planning; and more
• Legal information and referrals for situations requiring
expertise in family law, estate planning, landlord/tenant relations, consumer and civil law, and more
• Guidance with financial matters, including household
EMPLOYEECONNECT SM
SOME MATTERS ARE BEST RESOLVED BY MEETING WITH A PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON. WITH EMPLOYEECONNECTSM YOU RECEIVE:
Employee Assistance Program Services Confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for employees and family members
budgeting, and short- and long-term planning
• In-person help for short-term issues (up to four sessions with a counselor per person, per issue, per year)
• In-person consultations with network lawyers, including one free 30-minute in-person consultation per legal issue, and subsequent meetings at a reduced fee
EmployeeConnect SM offers a wide range of information and
Visit www.Lincoln4Benefits.com or www.GuidanceResources.com Username =LFGsupport Password = LFGsupport1 Or talk with a specialist at 888-628-4824.
• Family • Parenting • Addictions • Emotional • Legal • Financial • Relationships • Stress
LOCAL NEWS IS MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER At Adams Publishing Group, we care about the well-being of all of our Associates. We appreciate all you do to deliver the news to your community. 6
HUMAN RESOURCES
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MAGAZINES MARKETING NEWSPAPERS PRINTING PUBLISHING STORY TOURISM TRAVEL WRITER
AskHR!
Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name. Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.
DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL? CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES. JO ANN HOPSON, PHR, SHRM-CP, CEBS
CHARLENE VOLD
APG Vice President of Human Resources All states, Based in Tennessee/North Carolina joann.hopson@adamspg.com | 423.620.8771
HR Manager – APG Media Central Division, Minnesota, Wisconsin 763.712.2412
TOM CLOUTIER
HR Manager - Greenville, Rocky Mount, Elizabeth City,NC and Key West, FL gdavis@apgenc.com | 252.366.8139
DEB BROOKS
APG Media of Southern Wisconsin HR Generalist – APG Janesville, Antigo and Beloit, Wisconsin sluebke@gazetteextra.com
Talent Acquisition Director for APG HR Manager – APG Maryland/Ohio tcloutier@adamspg.com | 410.770.4159 HR Manager – APG Midwestern Division, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Utah dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com | 360.416.2187
GWEN DAVIS
STEPHANIE LUEBKE
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MOVIE NIGHT
MOVIE NIGHT NOW PLAYING: E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
For your chance to be the lucky winner of an APG Swag and Movie Bag, answer the trivia question below correctly:
IN “E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL” WHAT IS THE ICONIC PHRASE SAID BY E.T.? All answers should be submitted to AskHR@adamspg.com. The winner will be drawn on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MARCH WINNER – MARCUS FITZSIMMONS, THE DAILY TIMES MARYVILLE. The Question: In “The Princess Bride,” What was the Inigo Montoya’s father’s first name? *Contents of winner’s prize pack may vary.
The Answer Was: Domingo
DO YOU HAVE A BRIGHT IDEA FOR OUR COMPANY NEWSLETTER?
WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Send your thoughts, suggestions, ideas for future newsletters to AskHR@adamspg.com.
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