Hello everyone!

This is a difficult email to write as I need to do so because there seems to be a prevalence of people not following our protocols on temperature screening when they come into a work site.

Please know that it is mandatory that all staff follow these protocols each and every time they enter any office or residential site. If an individual chooses not to, this will result in corrective action.

We are seeing more and more employees with symptoms and/or positive COVID results. Every one of us needs to do what we can to prevent the spread of this disease.

I seek your help, support and commitment to ensuring that we keep ourselves and each other safe.

For your information, here are the protocols:

1) Put on a paper mask (cloth if paper is not available)

2) Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands.

· Put on gloves

3) Clean the temporal thermometer with an alcohol swab.

4) Take your temperature.

· Press button and release, wait 2 seconds

· Hold to temple, wait for beep and read result

· Wait one minute for reuse

5) Clean entire thermometer with alcohol wipe.

6) Complete the information on the form.

Please remember to make sure you mark yourself out when you leave the building!!!!!

Thank you everyone! Your help with this is greatly appreciated.

Beckey Skouge, SPHR, SHRM-SCP         Director of Human Resources

Hello fellow team members!

I hope this finds you and yours well.

These really are extraordinary times! All of us are impacted in some way by the ongoing barrage of challenges that are coming our way. This is especially true when it comes to our kids. As parents, we have been taught that we should have all the answers. Ha! It turns out that this is a myth. It does not reflect reality and it sets us up for feelings of failure, anxiety and distress.

If ever there was a time for us to reach out and support one another, it is NOW. I challenge you to identify a team member who needs your support. Reach out to that person and let them know you are here for them. You will both feel better!

I have attached a message for you from Jonathan Bundt. His wisdom and guidance are especially needed and appreciated right now. The most important thing to remember is that you have a strong support system here at Thomas Allen. We are here for you!

Take a deep breath. Believe that we will get through these challenges and be stronger for it. Give yourself and others the gift of grace. Know that we are here for you and your family. 

Regards,

Douglas Dempsey-Hess, PHR

Note: Handouts from prior emails are also inserted below on resilience and gratitude.

Navigating Parenting

Building Long-Term Resilience

Embracing Gratitude

A letter of apology from the owners to all employees addressing the community unrest/protests and their commitment to equality and anti-racism.

Resources for Continued Learning & Implementation

Letter from the Owners

Greetings fellow Thomas Allen Team members!

Over the past few months, I have addressed several types of wellness. In this email, I would like to address financial wellness.

Everyone has financial realities. For some, this has really hit home recently if a family member has been furloughed or laid off from their job.

The CARES Act has influenced some changes in 401 (k) distributions, loan payment suspensions, hardship withdrawals and other aspects of 401 (k) plans.

The use of HSA funds has been revised by the government to assist with some of the restrictive burdens to participants. You should stay current with these revisions so that you best leverage their benefits to you.

Things keep changing quickly as the financial impacts to workers and employers are taking a bigger toll. Remember that you have a very comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, access to excellent resources at American Funds for your 401 (k) and a very knowledgeable and caring Human Resources department available to answer your questions and assist with your concerns.

Stay well. Take care of yourselves, your family and your co-workers.

Regards,

Douglas Dempsey-Hess, PHR

Letter from the Administrator addressing protocol changes for visiting with friends and family.  

Hello fellow Thomas Allen employees!

I am feeling like we are now fully “in it”. Enough time has passed that I am learning to accept that some very significant changes and impacts are going to be prolonged.

During this time, your needs for resources are evolving. The support you and your families need falls into a couple of categories. The most common categories are physical, emotional and financial support. To that end, I have attached a very comprehensive guide that offers many resources across a wide spectrum of topics. I hope you find it helpful.

These are tough times but we are tough people. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Accept the scary emotions and embrace the positive ones.

Enjoy this day!

Douglas Dempsey-Hess, PHR

Employee Resources

A letter of appreciation from the owners.

Our values get tested in the midst of a crisis. This is our opportunity, individually and collectively, to recommit and live out our priorities. One of our priorities must be taking care of ourselves physically to help reduce our stress. It is easier to BE strong when you FEEL strong! Attached is a resource to assist you in taking good care of yourselves. – Douglas Dempsey-Hess, PHR, Human Resources Manager

A Staying Healthy at Home Resource from Human Resources.

How are you doing? Are you beginning to figure out how to adjust to this very challenging and stressful “new world”?

Attached is a COVID-19 resources document distributed by the Minnesota School Social Workers Association. The document has links to community resources, activities for family and students, supporting students mental health needs, serving students with special education plans, and healthy habits and self-care.

Be safe. Keep looking forward. Remain cautiously calm. Together, we will make it through this!

COVID19 Resources

The attached document created by the Health Management team at Associated Bank Risk Consulting includes a number of resources for fitness, nutrition, mental well-being, children activities and more. 

Remember to take care of yourself!! 

Healthy at Home

This link is a 15 minute video from the MN Department of Health that provides prevention strategies, self-awareness & mindfulness, how we manage interactions with those we serve, and how we manage our lives overall.

Self-Care and applying Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 Responders

An update offering clarification on protocols for people who have reduced hours or no hours due to the COVID-19 situation.  The links below include the letter, a corresponding “cheat sheet” defining furlough, unemployment, & use of FMLA benefits, and the leave of absence request form.

Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program is available for employees. All employees have access to the EAP from Lincoln Financial (guidance resources) and employees who are enrolled in one of our Medica health plans also have access to the EAP offered through Medica. Both flyers are attached for your use.

Letter from Human Resources Director

Cheat Sheet on Furlough | Unemployment

Leave of Absence Request Form

Medica Employee Assistance Program

Lincoln Financial Employee Assistance Program

A letter from the Administrator sharing information about Thomas Allen communication and support plan to address the COVID-19 crisis.

It includes attachments to our Disaster Preparedness and Attendance policies.

March 17 Letter from the Administrator

Disaster Preparedness Policy

Attendance Policy

Thomas Allen has two policies relating to COVID-19. 

a.  Personnel Policy, Section 8 – Safety, K. COVID-19.

b.  Standard Rule 245D Policy, Section 8 – Incident Response Procedures, U – COVID-19.  

These policies may be accessed in three possible ways:

1.  At your division work site; if you are currently assigned to work from a site, versus working remotely.

2.  On our company network:  

a.  J:\POLICIES AND JOB DESCRIP\STANDARD PERSONNEL\SECTION 8

b. J:\POLICIES AND JOB DESCRIP\STANDARD 245D\SECTION 8 

3.  On our online Training Center, within the COVID-19 training curriculum.  If you are unsure of how to access this course, please consult with your supervisor to obtain the password.