5 ways to protect credit union employees through a pandemic

We continue to hear from credit union leaders that a chief concern among their members is the health and well-being of the credit union people who serve them. Several cooperatives have reported a large number of calls from members asking how employees are being accommodated and protected during the COVID-19 crisis. This is just one of several ways our industry’s “We’re in this together” spirit has manifest over the last few weeks; it’s been incredibly uplifting to experience in the face of so much turmoil.

So, what can be done to ensure credit union employees are well taken care of as the U.S. continues to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus? Here are some of the things working well for our credit union partners across the country:

Limiting or Rotating Employees On-Site: There are many operational tasks credit union employees must complete in a given day that fly in the face of social distancing. As you consider necessary changes to these tasks, be mindful of regulatory and bylaw restrictions. However, don’t be afraid to make prudent adjustments in the name of protecting your employees and staff. If you must make exceptions to the rules be diligent about documenting the reasoning behind the exception. Include details around who was a part of making that decision, the action that was taken and the outcomes if any. All that documentation will come in handy when your credit union inevitably does its business continuity planning debrief.

Following CDC Guidelines: The Centers for Disease Control has provided several best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Ensure employees are well-trained and supported in the practice of these procedures, which include washing their hands often, especially when handling money and other items members may bring into the cooperative; not touching their eyes, nose and mouth; washing their hands often; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; and, of course, staying home if they are sick.

 

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