WAUSAU, WIS. – As Wisconsin and Michigan adapt to life during COVID-19, business owners, employees, and customers are longing to return to business as usual. But government regulations, safety concerns and shifting recommendations and guidelines can cause confusion and anxiety.

That’s why Aspirus is introducing Work Well, a program to help businesses of all size rise above COVID-19.

“Regional business owners and leaders, including members of the Aspirus board of directors, have expressed to me just how difficult life is right now,” said Aspirus President & Chief Executive Officer Matthew Heywood. “They want to get back to work, but they want to do it in a way that keeps their employees healthy and reassures their customers that they are operating safely and effectively during this pandemic. We know COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we need to adapt to a new normal.”

As a health care leader, and as a business with a diverse workforce and dozens of facilities that continue to serve patients throughout the pandemic, Aspirus is in a unique position to help other employers. Initially, Work Well is offering workplace guidance and a suite of tools and references that employers throughout the region can review and use for free.

Volm Companies, headquartered in Antigo, has collaborated with Aspirus for years. Chief Operating Officer Michael Hunter sees the Work Well resources as welcome help for businesses navigating the challenges of COVID-19.

“Aspirus has been a longtime health care partner to Volm Companies. From their health system network of providers, occupational health programming, Employee Assistance Services and beyond, we consider Aspirus our go-to health care system,” Hunter said. “They bring our business and team members solutions that have a positive impact every day. The new Aspirus COVID-19 resources and solutions for business are much needed, and we look forward to learning more about how they will positively impact our workplace.”

Work Well offers a robust and growing array of free resources, such as:

— Webinars

— Workplace safety checklist

— Cleaning and disinfecting guidelines

— Customizable poster and flyer templates

— Employee communication templates

In addition to these free resources, Aspirus Business Health experts provide customizable solutions such as on-site workplace assessments and screening.

By developing a strong network of capable and connected business partners, Aspirus can establish a mechanism to identify and manage COVID-19 hotspots and help facilitate a safe, orderly and timely reopening of the local economy.

“These are difficult times, and we all miss our old lives,” Heywood said. “Safely reopening and operating our businesses will restore vibrancy to the local economy and joy to residents. We believe Work Well can help all sizes and types of businesses move that important work forward.”

To receive access to Work Well resources, or for more information about the Work Well program, please contact Aspirus Business Health at 844-888-5873 or businesshealth@aspirus.org, or visit www.aspirus.org/business-health.