Punching In: Virus Relief Requires Big Decisions From Employers

Monday morning musings for workplace watchers

April Fools’ Day Looms | Getting to 500 | Phase Four

Ben Penn: There won’t be anything humorous about April Fools’ Day this year for millions of workers and their employers. Some companies are targeting April 1 or shortly thereafter as the deadline to make sensitive decisions on how to reduce their workforce due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Labor Department’s paid leave rules for coronavirus-related relief take effect Wednesday at businesses with fewer than 500 workers. Employers get full tax credit reimbursements for up to 12 weeks of paid sick leave and partially ...