Five ways Nextep helps businesses navigate COVID-19

As we arrive at the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S, there are still daily challenges facing employees and employers alike. The last year has been a whirlwind of info, from new legislation and safety protocols to vaccines. Through it all, Nextep has helped businesses navigate every challenge along the way. 

One of our clients, Gena Dupus, partner/principal at Black Forest Decor, shared a few thoughts about how we supported her and her company through the pandemic: 

“The most difficult issue was trying to keep compliant with all the legalities and tax issues involved. Without Nextep, this would have been incredibly difficult. I was able to watch several of the Friday webinars, which helped keep us up to speed on the evolving issues related to COVID, sick leave, PPP, etc… Courtney in HR has been invaluable to our company. We have consulted with her regarding numerous facets of the COVID pandemic, and she always has the answers. She is always available and provides quick responses, which I greatly appreciate.”

Nextep’s experts help our clients prioritize safety and empower them with the info, resources, and support they need to continue operating through ongoing economic uncertainty while keeping them updated on any developments coming down the road. 

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT FIVE WAYS NEXTEP HELPS BUSINESSES NAVIGATE COVID-19: 

Legislation guidance 

Figuring out the ins and outs of new legislation can feel next to impossible without a law degree, let alone if you’re having to juggle running a business and managing a workforce in a global pandemic. We’re here to analyze and help clients understand every employment-related legislation change. From the CARES Act and PPP loans to H.R. 6201, we’ve broken down hundreds of pages of legislation into easily digestible blogs and webinars. We’re committed to keeping our clients informed and compliant, and we will continue to do so.

Answers to questions 

Navigating working from home, COVID leave, mask mandates, and vaccine policies in the workplace isn’t easy, nor is it always straightforward. With Nextep as a partner, our clients have answers to all their questions. With COVID-19 webinars, blogs, and FAQs, we address returning to work protocols, vaccine mandates, positive test results in the workplace, and more. Plus, our invaluable HR business partners are always available to answer any questions and provide guidance along the way. We know what questions business owners are asking, and you can count on Nextep to know the answers!

Download your own voluntary vaccination policy example here.

Benefits

By partnering with Nextep, our clients have access to big-company benefits. One of the best and most highly utilized benefit offerings during COVID-19 has been Teladoc. Nextep employees have a 200% utilization rate, which means our people use it multiple times per year!  Teladoc gives you and your people the ability to skip the waiting room and have direct access to health providers for routine checkups, dermatology, counseling appointments, and more — all from your phone.

Payroll

Payroll needs to be flawless, no matter the extenuating circumstances. That’s why we work with our clients to utilize direct deposit when possible, cut checks when needed, apply for PPP loans, and manage seamless payroll for our people come rain or shine. Early on in the pandemic, we helped those who previously received paper paychecks transition to direct deposit accounts to make sure they had access to their paychecks when it mattered most. With tax credits and payroll reports for loan applications, it pays to have an expert by your side. 

Technology 

With our all-in-one mobile app, our clients and their employees have a seamless experience whether they’re at the office, working from home, or on the go. Employees can update their info, view their benefits, and chat with us, all from the app. This year, it was more important than ever to have a seamless online experience during benefits open enrollment. Our clients sailed through benefits enrollment easily and efficiently with no pesky forms to print out or keep track of. Our technology saves you time and headaches — you can count on Nextep to have everything you need all in one, easy to use, single-sign-on account. 

Though vaccines are making it into the arms of Americans, the COVID-19 crisis is not over, nor will it be the last crisis business owners will have to navigate. It pays to have experts and technology on your side when it matters most. We’d love the opportunity to talk about how Nextep can help you be prepared for whatever tomorrow brings. Schedule a meeting today!

Nextep is here to help anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Visit our COVID-19 resources page for the latest updates on legislation, workplace and safety requirements, and HR best practices to help keep you and your employees safe!

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