What employers can expect from Biden administration in near term

Now that the divisive and controversial presidential election is over, what can employers expect from the federal government in the next few months? With our crystal ball dusted off and polished, we expect Joe Biden’s administration to make the following changes to the status quo during his first 100 days in office.

COVID-19 issues

If it doesn’t happen before January 20, 2021 (which is inauguration day), Congress will likely pass a pandemic relief package to provide additional unemployment compensation benefits and paid time off (PTO) provisions for employees. To encourage people to go back to work, the jobless benefits will probably be lower than the $600 per week previously provided. Additionally, the current PTO benefits for employees affected by the pandemic will likely be extended. We haven’t seen any push for enhancing the benefits above their current levels.

Also, vaccines are hurriedly being developed and approved for use. The thought now is the government won’t make taking the vaccine mandatory but will highly encourage it. Healthcare workers have been the first to get the vaccine, giving nonhealthcare employers time to decide how to deal with the issues created by the vaccinations.