Despite COVID-19 layoffs, some employers find ways to ease the blow

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused employers to shed workers in unprecedented numbers. When businesses closed or drastically cut services, millions of workers lost paychecks. But some employers have taken steps to protect workers still on the job and provide relief for others on reduced schedules or out of work altogether.

Even though many employers have stepped up to help their workers through the crisis, not all are getting high praise. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new COVID-19 enforcement plan in mid-April after workers from various companies filed complaints about a lack of access to personal protective equipment and training on COVID-19 safety issues. But other employers have gone the extra mile to lessen the strain on their employees.

Paid leave and bonuses

When the coronavirus began spreading in the United States, some major employers announced steps aimed at helping employees cope with the crisis. For example, Walmart offered paid time off for both fulland part-time employees quarantined either by the government or the company after exposure to the virus. Other major employers took similar actions.

JUST Capital, an organization that ranks companies on their commitment to issues such as fair pay and equal treatment of workers, began compiling major employers' responses to COVID-19 and released a report outlining some of the actions taken. The JUST Capital tracker includes actions such as adjusting hours, paying bonuses or other financial assistance, executive pay cuts, provision of paid sick leave, relaxed attendance policies, and allowing work from home.