Tag: 3BL

LINCOLN, Neb., November 7, 2023 /3BL/ – Forest Trends and the Arbor Day Foundation will expand their partnership through a new initiative, the Arboredo Project, to strengthen Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) livelihoods and plant one million additional trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest.

Brazil’s leaders have committed to restoring 12 million hectares (ha) of land by 2030. Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest, a critical biodiversity hotspot that is home to 70 percent of the country’s population, offers tremendous potential to restore up to 17 million ha.

The Arbor Day Foundation and Forest Trends’ Communities and Territorial Governance Initiative will plant one million trees in the Ribeira and Paraíba Valleys of the Atlantic Rainforest in São Paulo State. They will work in direct partnership with IPLCs, family farmers, local cooperatives, and NGOs, such as CooperCentral VR, Coobio, and Akarui. The project will focus on native species of the Atlantic Rainforest to help strengthen economic opportunities and increase food security, forest carbon storage, and biodiversity in IPLC and family farmer territories. Native species slated for early plantings include, Jussara (Euterpe edulis), a type of açaí, and local fruits, such as Cambucá (Plinia edulis) and Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis).

Indigenous communities successfully manage 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity and almost a quarter of all carbon stored in tropical forests. Deforestation rates are also significantly lower in forests controlled by IPLCs, even compared to government-controlled reserves. However, these communities face threats from land grabbing, illegal activities and exploitation, and land conflicts, as well as challenges in directly accessing economic opportunities.

The Arboredo Project (Projeto Arboredo in original Portuguese) builds on current reforestation partnerships in the Brazilian Amazon between Forest Trends, the Arbor Day Foundation, the Zoró, Paiter Suruí, and 14 other indigenous peoples to plant agroforestry systems. The Arbor Day Foundation recently assessed global forests most in need of reforestation and identified the Atlantic Rainforest as a priority region. The Foundation utilizes its Forest Priority Index to determine where trees can have the most impact on climate change, wildlife, and indigenous communities.

“Our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation over the past three years has proven that sustainable, forest-based value chains in partnership with indigenous and local communities are a successful strategy to improve indigenous livelihoods and governance, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change,” said Beto Borges, Director of Forest Trends’ Communities and Territorial Governance Initiative. “In expanding this partnership, we can scale these benefits across additional biomes and communities in Brazil.”

“We believe that planting trees is an investment in the health of the people and wildlife around them and we’re grateful for Forest Trends’ commitment to that vision,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “This project in the Atlantic Rainforest will help support the growth of economic opportunities for local communities and safeguard one of the world’s most critical habitats.”

“We are deeply encouraged by the growing recognition of indigenous peoples and local communities as the best stewards of the world’s forests and as essential partners in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change,” said Michael Jenkins, CEO and Founding President of Forest Trends. “Our continued partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation is part of a larger effort to scale this critical restoration work across Brazil and other forest countries around the world.”

About Forest Trends

Forest Trends works to conserve forests and other ecosystems through the creation and wide adoption of a broad range of environmental finance, markets, and other payment and incentive mechanisms. Our Communities and Territorial Governance Initiative partners with indigenous and other forest communities on innovations to secure their rights, livelihoods, and cultures through a strategy built on advocacy, economic self-determination, and cultural integrity.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

# # #

Arbor Day Contact: 
Jasmine Putney 
402-216-9307 
jputney@arborday.org

Forest Trends Contact: 
Cheyenne Coxon 
Communications Manager 
+1 (202) 446-1980 
ccoxon@forest-trends.org

COLUMBUS, Ohio, November 6, 2023 /3BL/ – All U.S. Bath & Body Works stores will open at noon this Election Day, Nov. 7 to give every associate the opportunity to vote. The retailer is once again supporting the nonpartisan effort called Time To Vote which aims to reduce barriers and increase voter participation. One of the most common reasons people give for not voting is that they’re too busy with the demands of work and life.

“Voting is at the heart of our democracy,” says Deon Riley, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Regardless of where they work within the company, we want our associates to have the flexibility to vote and know that their voices matter.”

Bath & Body Works is supporting the effort by encouraging all associates to make a plan for voting and learn about the issues, and by providing associates with time to vote. All U.S. Bath & Body Works stores will delay opening by two hours on Nov. 7.

The company has over 1,600 retail locations with more than 80,000 associates nationwide. Schedules for Ohio-based home office and distribution center associates also support associates’ civic responsibility to vote.

For more information about Time To Vote and for a list of all participants, visit maketimetovote.org.

National Grid

WALTHAM, Mass., /3BL/ – National Grid is delighted to announce that Worcester native and 29-year employee of the company, Damaris Dominguez, has been honored by the Worcester Business Journal as a 2023 “Outstanding Women in Business.”

For the 15th consecutive year, the Worcester Business Journal is “recognizing the achievements of strong, talented and remarkable women who are making their mark on the Central Massachusetts business community and who exemplify the best of success.”

This year, National Grid employee Damaris Dominguez is being honored with this award due to her dedication over the past year to help make a difference in the lives of countless customers throughout Massachusetts who rely on National Grid for their heating and electricity.

Last winter, during a time of unprecedented high energy bills, Dominguez and her National Grid team of customer advocates were on the ground, working with the residents of cities like Worcester and Leominster across Massachusetts to offer support with their utility needs through one-on-one interaction and heading up the efforts to provide customer support through an ongoing series of statewide Customer Savings Events. As Manager of Customer Advocacy, Dominguez oversees six total customer advocates in their grassroots efforts to connect with local communities, meeting them where they live and work to help navigate the various customer and payment assistance services offered by National Grid through the company’s Customer Savings Initiative.

Dominguez, who currently lives in Framingham, grew up in the Burncoat neighborhood of Worcester, graduating from Burncoat Senior High before attending Regis College. She has been at National Grid for 29 years.

Dominguez and her team work closely with institutions and organizations in Massachusetts communities such as senior centers, city halls, and the local Community Action Agencies offering Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Programs, Department of Transitional Assistance, and MassHealth services.

Dominguez also serves as Vice Chair for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a nonprofit organization sponsored by local utilities and administered by the Salvation Army.

“Damaris Dominguez’s story is one of true inspiration. Her journey from Worcester’s Great Brook Valley to becoming the beating heart of National Grid’s assistance to its low-income customers is a model for all other professionals to follow,” Worcester Business Journal Editor Brad Kane said. “Worcester Business Journal is honored to have Damaris among our Outstanding Women in Business awardees for 2023. Women like her have made this annual edition a must-read for the Central Massachusetts business community.”

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, like us on Facebook and find us on Instagram.

Media Contacts 
Michael Dalo 
Massachusetts 
(781) 907-3980

November 6, 2023 /3BL/ – More than 25 days after the start of the war, extreme constraints to safe and sustained access to water in Gaza continue to threaten the lives of thousands of families. Between October 16-24, the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Cluster (WASH) estimated that the population had access to only 1 to 3 liters of water per day to meet all their needs. This shortage raises fears of dehydration, kidney failure and other critical health consequences, especially for already vulnerable people.

In the last week, the WASH Cluster has reported a slight increase in the daily amount of water available. This fluctuation in daily water availability is based on a number of factors including the ability to safely transport existing water supplies, the functionality of Israeli water pipelines and the emergency fuel reserves available for the two remaining operational seawater desalination plants, which are currently operating at 5-40% of capacity, according to the UN.

Women, especially pregnant or lactating women, along with children, face increased risks due to lack of adequate water and sanitation. Children under five years of age are more susceptible to waterborne diseases due to contaminated water and inadequate hygiene. Lack of water makes it difficult to manage menstruation in a hygienic and dignified manner, leading many women and girls to use menstrual products for longer than intended, increasing the risk of infection.

Entry of Supplies and Fuel into the Gaza Strip

Fuel has still not entered the Strip, even though Gaza’s basic water infrastructure require a daily minimum of 30,000 litres of fuel to function. The lack of fuel has led to the total closure of sewage treatment plants, resulting in the daily discharge of more than 130,000 cubic metres of raw sewage into the Mediterranean Sea, a serious environmental hazard. About 80 percent of Gaza’s water supply is from wells and underground aquifers, which require fuel for extraction and desalination. Most water tankers are empty of fuel, and residents resort to donkeys to transport the limited water supply available.

Despite the dire needs facing Gazan families, between October 21 and November 1, only 26 truckloads of lifesaving water and sanitation supplies entered Gaza, according to OCHA, which is nowhere near enough to cover the population’s essential survival needs.

While on October 29, the Israeli authorities confirmed their intention to resume water supplies to central Gaza and gave the green light to the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) to repair a critical water pipeline, it remains uncertain whether the PWA has the necessary resources, security conditions, supplies and qualified personnel to carry out these repairs effectively. Once operational, this pipeline could significantly improve the availability of drinking water in the area. In contrast, the water supply from Israel to the western part of Khan Younis, which was reconnected on October 15, was interrupted on October 30 for unclear reasons. The third pipeline from Israel to northern Gaza has remained closed since October 8.

Meanwhile, access to water in the West Bank, especially for remote communities in Area C, is increasingly at risk. The Consortium for the Protection of the West Bank reports that some communities are suffering water shortages due to Israeli checkpoints and road closures. In addition, there is an increase in settler violence against water and sanitation systems. This includes damage to the main water pipeline for residents of Masafer Yatta in the South Hebron Hills, destruction of water storage tanks, and restrictions on movement and access preventing locals from reaching their primary water sources.

Since October 7, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deteriorated significantly due to the escalation of hostilities. Exacerbated by 16 years of blockade and multiple previous rounds of devastating escalations of violence, the Gaza Strip now faces catastrophic needs for water, sanitation and hygiene, essential for the survival of its 2.3 million inhabitants, half of whom are children.

The Undersigned Actors Make an Urgent Appeal:

All parties to the conflict, world leaders and the global humanitarian community to call for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians and the unimpeded supply of essential goods, including water, to and within the Gaza Strip.That all parties respect international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians and the protection of infrastructure critical to the survival of the civilian population, including water and sanitation infrastructure, from harm.A significant increase in the number of daily truckloads of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. This must include an increase in the supply of water and sanitation resources to address the dire needs of the local population. Humanitarian aid must include personal, household and institutional hygiene items; cleaning products; and the vital influx of spare parts and materials needed for urgent repairs to war-damaged water infrastructure.That all parties agree to the immediate supply of fuel to Gaza. This is essential to revive and reinforce the vital water and sanitation infrastructure necessary for the survival of Gaza’s civilian population.Unconditional, unrestricted and continuous restoration of all water supplied by Israel to Gaza through the three Mekorot water supply lines.The protection of communities in Area C of the West Bank from the risk of forced transfer, and that perpetrators of violence against these communities are held accountable. We call for an end to restrictions on the movement of Palestinian communities in the West Bank to allow access to goods and services for these vulnerable communities.

Signatories

Action Against Hunger
CARE
Norwegian Refugee Council
Oxfam
WeWorld

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Behind every impactful role we place, every team we build and every effort we make to create systemic change for our planet and society by activating people’s potential; lies our team of passionate, sustainability-minded individuals. Our ongoing ‘Faces of Acre’ series helps us take a step back from the day-to-day to shine a spotlight on the people who make us who we are, giving them a platform to share their passions, speak up about important topics and talk about the pro bono initiatives they take part in.

In our latest instalment, we sat down with Ellen Rutherford, Acre’s Managing Director in the Americas. She is Chair of Invisible Flock, an interactive award-winning artist-led arts studio based at both the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Hub at Wellcome Collection, in London.

While Oscar Wilde raised the notion that life imitates art, in that it affects the way we see the world, Invisible Flock has taken that concept one step forward by creating an intersection between art, technology and the climate crisis.

The not-for-profit organisation explores the environmental crisis through digital art practices raising awareness of the importance of sustainability and social issues. The studio focuses on a diverse range of people – how we live, connect and share to thrive as a global society more harmoniously, via art forms exploring the environmental crisis to support those vulnerable to the world’s greatest challenges.

Recent work includes LBE (Land Body Ecologies), a two-year project uniting artists with mental health researchers, scientists and human rights activists to research ‘solastalgia’, a newly coined phrase meaning to accept that the presence of climate change impacts on human health.

There is also an award-winning sound installation Microtonal exploring stories, cultures and land from the notes between western chromatic scales. The project Bodies Joined, created for the World Health Organisation’s Health Pavilion COP27, highlights how climate change and environmental factors impact human health, while Aurora implemented the re-flooding of a disused reservoir in Liverpool to create a multi-sensory installation.

Ellen has worked for Acre since July 2021, previously working in the non-profit sector.

So, Ellen, how did you initially connect with Invisible Flock?

I knew Victoria Pratt, one of the founders and the Creative Director from university. Victoria approached me when they were setting up the board due to my work on government contracts (they are Arts Council-funded) and my understanding of non-profit governance plus, helpfully, my interest in the arts and sustainability.

How does Invisible Flock connect with sustainability and a better future for all?

The environmental crisis is explored in all its forms and I think, most crucially, they use the platform gained through the beauty and poignancy of their work to give a voice to those most impacted by the climate emergency. One of the things I find most impressive is how they use artistic practice to unite people in the fields of research, those at the frontline of conservation, government bodies, and those most impacted by climate change. Their position as artists and storytellers gives them a unique licence to do this.

Do you think digital artwork creates greater impact than other forms?

Digital art practices can offer new perspectives, practical solutions and engagement with those often excluded from these conversations. Invisible Flock infiltrates many sectors aiming to have a creative impact on ecology, politics, health and society, exposing wherever possible that everything is fluid and can be improved.

It can also create a massive emotional impact on people. For example, The Sleeping Tree is a long-form, durational sound experience that inhabited the Dome Concert Hall as part of Brighton Festival, connecting audiences with a distant and fragile ecosystem. Developed from environmental data and 5000+ hours of audio collected during a 3-month mapping process, the installation followed one of the remaining families of Siamang gibbons. Audiences could experience this important and biodiverse rainforest, from dusk to dawn, seeing what we might lose, which is hugely impactful.

How does the artwork explore different environmental challenges and devise possible solutions?

Their work explores challenges through connecting with those most impacted by the environmental crisis and giving them an amplified voice. They cannot solve every problem, but they can highlight them and urge those with power to act.

Tell us about working with Invisible Flock as Chair of the board and what impact you make?

I have had the great privilege of being on the board for nearly nine years and am due to step down shortly. My role from a governance perspective oversees funding and obligations to funders and other bodies. I also lead board meetings and provide advice. The company has progressed from a very small UK team, funded project to project to a stable, funded organisation working globally. It has been a real privilege to be part of that journey.

You can learn more about Invisible Flock here: https://invisibleflock.com/

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy. Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change. Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too. We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations. Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

Behind every impactful role we place, every team we build and every effort we make to create systemic change for our planet and society by activating people’s potential; lies our team of passionate, sustainability-minded individuals. Our ongoing ‘Faces of Acre’ series helps us take a step back from the day-to-day to shine a spotlight on the people who make us who we are, giving them a platform to share their passions, speak up about important topics and talk about the pro bono initiatives they take part in.

In our latest instalment, we sat down with Ellen Rutherford, Acre’s Managing Director in the Americas. She is Chair of Invisible Flock, an interactive award-winning artist-led arts studio based at both the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Hub at Wellcome Collection, in London.

While Oscar Wilde raised the notion that life imitates art, in that it affects the way we see the world, Invisible Flock has taken that concept one step forward by creating an intersection between art, technology and the climate crisis.

The not-for-profit organisation explores the environmental crisis through digital art practices raising awareness of the importance of sustainability and social issues. The studio focuses on a diverse range of people – how we live, connect and share to thrive as a global society more harmoniously, via art forms exploring the environmental crisis to support those vulnerable to the world’s greatest challenges.

Recent work includes LBE (Land Body Ecologies), a two-year project uniting artists with mental health researchers, scientists and human rights activists to research ‘solastalgia’, a newly coined phrase meaning to accept that the presence of climate change impacts on human health.

There is also an award-winning sound installation Microtonal exploring stories, cultures and land from the notes between western chromatic scales. The project Bodies Joined, created for the World Health Organisation’s Health Pavilion COP27, highlights how climate change and environmental factors impact human health, while Aurora implemented the re-flooding of a disused reservoir in Liverpool to create a multi-sensory installation.

Ellen has worked for Acre since July 2021, previously working in the non-profit sector.

So, Ellen, how did you initially connect with Invisible Flock?

I knew Victoria Pratt, one of the founders and the Creative Director from university. Victoria approached me when they were setting up the board due to my work on government contracts (they are Arts Council-funded) and my understanding of non-profit governance plus, helpfully, my interest in the arts and sustainability.

How does Invisible Flock connect with sustainability and a better future for all?

The environmental crisis is explored in all its forms and I think, most crucially, they use the platform gained through the beauty and poignancy of their work to give a voice to those most impacted by the climate emergency. One of the things I find most impressive is how they use artistic practice to unite people in the fields of research, those at the frontline of conservation, government bodies, and those most impacted by climate change. Their position as artists and storytellers gives them a unique licence to do this.

Do you think digital artwork creates greater impact than other forms?

Digital art practices can offer new perspectives, practical solutions and engagement with those often excluded from these conversations. Invisible Flock infiltrates many sectors aiming to have a creative impact on ecology, politics, health and society, exposing wherever possible that everything is fluid and can be improved.

It can also create a massive emotional impact on people. For example, The Sleeping Tree is a long-form, durational sound experience that inhabited the Dome Concert Hall as part of Brighton Festival, connecting audiences with a distant and fragile ecosystem. Developed from environmental data and 5000+ hours of audio collected during a 3-month mapping process, the installation followed one of the remaining families of Siamang gibbons. Audiences could experience this important and biodiverse rainforest, from dusk to dawn, seeing what we might lose, which is hugely impactful.

How does the artwork explore different environmental challenges and devise possible solutions?

Their work explores challenges through connecting with those most impacted by the environmental crisis and giving them an amplified voice. They cannot solve every problem, but they can highlight them and urge those with power to act.

Tell us about working with Invisible Flock as Chair of the board and what impact you make?

I have had the great privilege of being on the board for nearly nine years and am due to step down shortly. My role from a governance perspective oversees funding and obligations to funders and other bodies. I also lead board meetings and provide advice. The company has progressed from a very small UK team, funded project to project to a stable, funded organisation working globally. It has been a real privilege to be part of that journey.

You can learn more about Invisible Flock here: https://invisibleflock.com/

At Acre, we work with the most aspirational businesses with potential to make real change; from those who are just starting out to those who are well on the journey to crafting a legacy. Our 18 years’ experience in sustainability recruitment, combined with our extensive global network, enables us to provide talent solutions that are designed to deliver this change. Through our unique behavioural assessment technology, we understand the types of people, skills and behaviours required to create impact. We can develop these qualities within your existing teams too. We find talented people and develop their skills to ensure they make a true impact in ambitious, progressive organisations. Acre. Making companies ready for tomorrow.

This summer, FedEx team members in the Chicago area volunteered their time and athletic skills to help The Support Group (TSG). For over 17 years, FedEx has been a proud sponsor of TSG, a Chicago-based nonprofit led by Director Bennie Henry. Their mission is to inspire young men and women to excel academically and athletically. “As a team member, I just love how FedEx is committed to giving back to the community,” says Sabiena Foster, District Administrator FedEx Express, who organizes many of these volunteer events.

The TSG Instructional Basketball Clinic allows students to stay active through daily exercise and to develop advanced basketball skills from professional basketball players, corporate teams, and coaches. While learning the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, they also discover the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and self-confidence. Further, they can gain knowledge from corporate leaders and professional speakers on educational attainment and achieving career goals.

This event was the perfect ending to the summer basketball camp held for the local high school students in their program. Led by FedEx Senior Managers Cyndi Lechowski and Mike Murphy, the FedEx basketball team was comprised of couriers, swing drivers, and managers. They conducted a skills challenge segment and participated in an exhibition basketball game between FedEx and TSG staff. Another group of FedEx volunteers from Express, Ground, and Security interacted with students in various games and mentoring exercises.

The Chicago station also donated water and Gatorade for the camp. At the end of the event, students were given drawstring bags and water bottles on behalf of retired Regional Vice-President, Ross Dahlstrom.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Sabiena shares that “many times, we are able to give back to the communities I grew up in, and I see myself in the eyes of the children and young adults we serve. In those moments, it makes me so proud to be a part of making a positive difference in the lives we touch.”

***first two photos published with permission from The Support Group

DES MOINES, Iowa, November 6, 2023 /3BL/ – PrincipalFinancial Group® executive vice president and Chief Information Officer (CIO), Kathy Kay, received the CIO of the year award by the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) during its annual Prometheus Awards ceremony.

The 2023 Prometheus Awards recognizes technology pioneers, industry leaders, educators, and government representatives and their most remarkable achievements and successes throughout Iowa’s tech industry.

“We are thrilled to congratulate our own Kathy Kay on being named CIO of the Year. This recognition is a testament to Kathy’s outstanding leadership in embracing innovation and pushing our organization to think differently. Her dedication and creative approach have not only transformed our IT landscape but also inspired our entire organization to see technology as a key enabler for financial inclusion. We deeply appreciate Kathy’s contributions and look forward to continued success under her guidance,” says Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO at Principal®.

Principal also won Best Technology Company Culture.

Awards were presented during a celebration Thursday, November 2, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines. A complete list of winners and finalists can be found here.

“The Technology Association of Iowa’s mission is to build a vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem by connecting and uniting Iowa’s technology industry,” emphasizes Brian Waller, President at TAI. “Principal’s unwavering investment in our tech community has been transformative, driving growth in Iowa’s tech sector and helping support TAI’s mission. They are a leading example of remarkable talent, leadership, and innovation, all rooted right here in Iowa.”

About Principal Financial Group®  
Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with 19,500 employees1 passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for more than 140 years, we’re helping more than 61 million customers1 plan, protect, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business, and build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Principal® is proud to be recognized as one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere2, a member of the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and a “Best Places to Work in Money Management3.” Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com. 

1 As of September 30, 2023  
2 Ethisphere, 2023   
3 Pensions & Investments, 2022 

1 As of June 30, 2023 
2 Ethisphere, 2023 
3 Pensions & Investments, 2022

About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) 
Founded in 1997, The Technology Association of Iowa is a statewide, member-based organization focused on building and uniting Iowa’s technology community. TAI advances the tech industry through engaging programming, premier events, talent development, driving public policy, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion to lead Iowa forward. 

Get involved at www.technologyiowa.org and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on LinkedIn.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.​ ©2023 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

3201689–112023

As the winter months approach, so does more holiday travel, longer times spent indoors, and gatherings with family and friends. However, this period is also characterized by an increased risk of spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. As many employers have implemented return to office or hybrid workplace policies to varying degrees, it is essential to anticipate the rise in illness and create clear workplace safety procedures to reduce their employees’ risk of infection.

Even as we near the fourth year since the start of the pandemic, variants of COVID-19 continue to emerge – the newest one being BA.2.86, a highly mutated variant detected several weeks ago and is now present in over 20 countries. Other respiratory illnesses such as the Influenza virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) also pose a threat to the health and well-being of employees and their families. The good news? This is the first fall and winter virus season in which vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations in the US – COVID, Flu, and RSV.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) looks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source of guidance on what employers should do to keep the office safe. Workplace preparation for the winter season requires careful planning and implementation of strategic measures to minimize the risk of infection spreading, as well as respond effectively if an outbreak occurs. So how can your company help push back against the virus during the winter? Strategies to help mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses include:

Promote Employee Vaccination: Vaccines remain highly effective in boosting immunity and preventing severe illness from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The CDC provides immunization recommendations for providers and the public, as well as communicates information on who should get immunizations, the benefits, and how to find recommended immunizations.Enhance Workplace Ventilation: As temperatures decrease, everyone – including employees – spend more time indoors. Therefore, indoor air quality can have a significant impact in the spread of respiratory illnesses. Improve ventilation and filtration systems in the workplace to reduce the level of airborne viruses.Implement Disinfection Protocols: Increase the frequency of cleanings and disinfecting procedures of all surfaces in the workplace, with an emphasis on the most common touch points and areas with high foot traffic. This includes office kitchens/cafeterias, conference rooms, etc.Provide Adequate Supplies: Maintain a sufficient supply of sanitizing products and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or face coverings.Promote Responsible Behavior: Share friendly reminders to employees about good personal hygiene practices and the importance of staying home if they feel unwell or show any signs/symptoms. As of September 25, 2023, every U.S. household can once again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Encourage employees to order these free tests to have readily available when needed.Monitor Local Regulations: Stay on top of COVID-19 related requirements in jurisdictions where you have employees to understand your tracking, reporting, and testing obligations. For example, CAL OSHA still requires employers to provide written notifications to employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace.

Looking Ahead

Although most state and local government mandates regarding COVID-19 have eased over the years, employers should consider the correlation between COVID-19 and employment laws when developing their approach to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases:

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in some states with local disability laws, employers are required to work with employees who seek medical accommodation due to the effects of Long COVID.Employers may also need to assess if an employee’s COVID or Long COVID diagnosis qualifies as a “serious health condition” under federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or applicable state leave laws.

In addition to established workplace policies and procedures, monitor the most up-to-date CDC guidance on best practices for those who have been exposed to the virus, are symptomatic, or have tested positive. With the absence of federal COVID requirements, employers have even more control over their workplace health and safety procedures and should continue to prioritize the promotion of a healthy and productive work environment to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on their employees.

Do you need help preparing your hybrid or in-office workplace for the winter season? Reach out to Antea Group’s Hybrid and Flexible Workplace Support experts today.

About Antea Group

Antea®Group is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world’s most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com. 

Originally published in Dow’s 2022 Progress Report

We are building inclusive communities by engaging our ERGs, empowering more inclusive learning environments and collaborating with strategic partners to help address systemic discrimination and inequity to accelerate change. One of the ways we do this is through the ALL IN ERG Fund.

ALL IN ERG FUND 

The ALL IN ERG Fund aims to help Dow become the world’s most inclusive materials science company by harnessing the passion and perspective of our 10 ERGs to collaborate with community organizations tackling the greatest inclusion, diversity and equity needs.

Since the fund launched in 2019, we have committed $1.1 million to support 53 ALL IN ERG projects in 25 countries worldwide, resulting in:

3,042 people gaining social networks and support 505 people obtaining/ sustaining a job

481 people achieving safety and inclusion

1,387 people improving social/emotional well-being

505 people obtaining/ sustaining a job

1,563 people succeeding in school

4,831 hours volunteered by Dow employees

Promoting Gender Equity and Inclusion in Thailand

To help promote health, well-being and equal learning opportunities, Dow collaborated with our customer Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co. Ltd. and the World Vision Foundation of Thailand on reproductive health workshops for more than 500 adolescents in Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces. The workshops educated all genders aged 11-16 on reproductive health and adolescent growth and development. Volunteer-led activities helped students understand more about menstrual hygiene and the risks of sexually transmitted diseases. To help students have equal access to quality menstruation products and alleviate period poverty, a portion of project funds also served as seed money to set up sanitary pad banks at two schools in Chanthaburi.

The activity is part of the Freedom Project, initiated by our Women’s Inclusion Network. The workshop aimed to promote more understanding and reshape attitudes about gender differences, with a key focus on ending menstrual period stigma.

“One of the project’s key achievements is that male students got the opportunity to learn about menstruation products for the first time,” said Nuch Benjarpornbanyat of the Freedom Project. “One student even said that he could now understand the challenges that the girls faced every month to wear the sanitary pads.”

Read more