LegalShield Launches Coronavirus Resource Center To Help Small Businesses Combat the Pandemic 

This article originally appeared in HR Technologist on April 2, 2020.

By Simli Saha | Apr 13, 2020 | 12:07 AM | 4 Mins Read

The newly launched resource center advises the business owners on employment law, payroll, safety concerns, and remote work policies amid the pandemic

LegalShield, the provider of affordable legal and privacy protection plans, with the aim of helping small business owners as they undergo the challenging time during the coronavirus pandemic, has launched the LegalShield Coronavirus Small Business Resource Center to provide free advice on the coronavirus’s most frequently searched topics as owners stress about their families and their employees.

“The coronavirus pandemic has challenged small business owners as the country continues to practice social distancing and shelter in place,” said Jeff Bell, CEO of LegalShield. “Small business owners need general and specific legal advice on government support programs, employment, and regulatory compliance, and contracting. Our job at LegalShield is to ease that stress as best we can with answers to their legal questions.”

The LegalShield Coronavirus Small Business Resource Center is being updated in real-time and addresses a vast array of critical legal questions that small business owners are concerned about as the pandemic takes a critical stage. Below are some of the top small business concerns that are trending currently:

Employment Law and Payroll

Business owners are not only concerned about declining revenue, but also about cash flow and how they are going to pay their employees. Frequently asked questions include:

• What can I do if I’m having trouble paying employees due to a government-mandated closure?
• Do I have to keep paying people if they are not working, or working remotely?
• How do I balance my rights and my employees’ rights while keeping my business afloat?
• How can I be sure to comply with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?

Employee Safety and Your Business

LegalShield’s network of provider law firms can help business owners with their policies and procedures that not only enhance employee safety but follow the law. Frequently asked questions include:

•  Do I need a new or updated employee safety plan? What should be included?
•  What am I allowed to do if I think an employee is sick but they’re still coming to work?
• Are there best practices I should be following to maximize employee safety?
• What if an employee thinks they got coronavirus at work?
• Should I grant leave to an employee who is sick or who is caring for a family member that is sick?

Remote Work Policies

Many employers are allowing employees to work from home for the first time as mandated by the government. It’s important to make sure businesses understand how to best navigate this unfamiliar situation in a way that not only maintains productivity but also protects their business from a legal standpoint. Frequently asked questions include:

• Does my business need a new or updated remote work policy? What should be included?
• Am I required to provide special accommodations or resources to remote workers?
• Do OSHA’s regulations and standards apply to the home office? Are there any other Federal laws employers need to worry about if employees work from home?
• Am I required to cover any additional costs that employees may incur if they work from home (internet access, computer, increased use of electricity, etc.)?

Financial and Cash Flow Concerns

Many businesses are seeing decreased demand. Some are shut down altogether due to government mandate. LegalShield’s provider network comprises experienced lawyers that can not only answer questions but help review actionable legal strategies to meet business’ financial obligations, protect employees and capital to support the organization. Frequently asked questions include:

• How can I fight the economic impact of coronavirus?
• Are there government-backed financing options I can take advantage of?
• What will happen to my business if there is a run on the banks?
• Are there any specific legal steps I can take to protect my business from sharp downturns in demand?
• Should I shutter production or cut salaries?
• How should I prepare my business for a recession?

Work-Related Travel

While many social and business events have already been canceled, questions remain. Also, conflicting state, federal and local government rules regarding the movement of people in and out of certain areas are confusing. Frequently asked questions include:

• What current travel restrictions are in place?
• Who is exempt from travel restrictions?
• If an event I was going to attend has been canceled, can I get refunds on hotels, etc.?
• Can I require employees to maintain travel schedules?
• What new travel policies should I enact to follow the law and keep people safe?
• Can I prohibit an employee from traveling on their personal time?

A LegalShield member can speak with a lawyer about any legal issue within 4 hours from the moment of inquiry.  LegalShield’s legal plans provide access to qualified law firms and their lawyers with an average of 22 years of experience, with dedicated law firms in 50 states and all provinces and territories in Canada.  Added to this, the LegalShield mobile app also gives several free services to help consumers and small businesses.

Getting sound legal advice and support at a time like this can mean the difference between a business surviving the pandemic, or going out of business. We want to make sure that small businesses survive and are set up to thrive once the danger passes – the LegalShield Small Business Resource Center was developed to provide guidance and tools to all small businesses that need help”  –  Jeff Bell, CEO of LegalShield