For Employers & Employees
COVID-19 Resources
The Sequoia Team is committed to supporting both employers and employees during this unprecedented global pandemic. This page compiles resources provided by health insurance carriers, vendor partners, government and local organizations, as well as Sequoia clients.
We will continue to add resources as they become available.
This page is searchable! Enter “Ctrl+F” and search for a term to find what you’re looking for.
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Get the Sequoia Mobile App
Make sure you have access to care and your member ID information when and where you need it. If you haven’t already downloaded it, you can find the Sequoia Mobile App in the iOS and Android app stores.
Health Insurance Carrier Resources
For Employers
Sequoia has compiled all the carrier resources we have received into Google Drive folders for you to easily share with your employees. Each of these links will take you directly to that Carrier’s resources.
Can’t find your carrier? Check out this list from our General Agent Partner, LISI, on how all carriers are responding to the Coronavirus situation:
Looking for more carrier resources on other topics?
Important Updates for Sequoia Clients from Anthem/Empire
In addition to providing coverage of the Coronavirus screening test at no member out-of-pocket-cost, we’re making changes to expand access to care, eliminate certain out-of-pocket expenses and offer guidance and support to our customers and members. We’re changing members’ benefits to give them extra support right now, including online visits with board-certified doctors 24/7 at no cost through June 14, 2020.
This includes all plans under the Sequoia Tech benefits program and Sequoia One PEO.
Access to Virtual Care and Development of a Coronavirus Assessment
The Coronavirus Assessment is designed based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help individuals quickly and safely evaluate their symptoms and assess their risk of having COVID-19. Based on the results, Anthem members will be able to connect directly to a board-certified doctor via text or secure two-way video via the Sydney Care app who can then recommend care options. Members can download Anthem’s Sydney Care mobile app now at no cost. The Coronavirus. Assessment functionality is in development and expected to be available within the next week.
Access to Medication
Anthem is relaxing early prescription refill limits for members who wish to receive a 30-day supply of most maintenance medications, where permissible.
Access to Virtual Care
For 90 days, Anthem’s affiliated health plans will waive any member cost share for telehealth visits, including visits for mental health. Cost sharing will be waived for members using Anthem’s telemedicine service, LiveHealth Online.
(Sequoia Tech Only) In addition to these resources, let’s not forget about EAP! The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers tips to cope with anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Tech Benefits Program Employees and their families can access EAP services.
Anthem continues to recommend members use virtual care options when possible, as it can help prevent spread of coronavirus and improve access to care. Virtual care is a safe and effective way for members to see a doctor to receive health guidance related to COVID-19 from their homes via smart phone, tablet or computer.
Here are links to several resources where you will get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19:
Telehealth Resources
For Employees
Below are flyers that explain how you can get Telehealth support from your health insurance carrier:
For Employers
During this time, many third-party telehealth vendors are promoting free access to their services. Links to these can be found below:
Other Virtual Care Options
One Medical
Unlimited 24/7 virtual care for health concerns like the cold, flu, or coronavirus from your phone. Through “Treat me Now” in the app, you will be prompted with a brief survey designed to assess your symptoms, which will quickly be routed to a provider. After reviewing your submission, a provider will get in touch with a care plan specific to your needs, which may include being guided to the best place for COVID-19 testing in your area. Unless otherwise noted, there’s no cost to you for virtual care. The One Medical team can also be reached through on-demand video visits or secure messaging.
Doctor on Demand
Get face to face with a doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist whether you have insurance or not. The app’s providers are licensed physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists, and they can treat hundreds of issues online through video. Your doctor will take your history and symptoms, perform an exam, and recommend treatment. (They put together a COVID-19 assessment based on CDC guidelines as well, which is a great bonus)
Heal
Known for their in-home doctor’s visits, their doctors are now performing “remote house calls” – via Heal app or phone call, to help determine severity and risk level. (Specific information related to Coronavirus from Heal here)
Amwell
Virtual Care visits for as low as $69 if uninsured, or cost of copay at one of more than 35 accepted health insurance companies. Includes providers in other specialties, including therapy, psychiatry, physical therapy, dermatology, pediatrics, women’s health, and nutrition.
Nearsite Clinics & Testing
For Employees
The CDC and nearsite clinics all recommend that you contact your doctor/clinic BEFORE making an appointment or showing up. See guidance from the following nearsite clinics on how to get care if you are experiencing symptoms:
For Employers
One Medical has created a toolkit for employers that includes suggested employee messaging:
COVID-19 Testing
Continue to check back as we add more information:
Stanford & Kaiser
Both hold drive-thru COVID-19 testing, but you can’t just head over there. Coronavirus tests are limited to people with confirmed symptoms and appointments.
From the CDC
If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.
FDA warns against at-home Covid-19 tests
The Food and Drug Administration updated its guidance to note that it has not approved any at-home tests for Covid-19. A number of startups began offering private tests, for a cost, after a public shortage of testing has left many with symptoms searching for solutions.
Mental Health Resources
For Employees
Below are flyers that explain how you can get mental health support from your health insurance carrier:
For Urgent Help
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.
You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.
Additional Resources & Recommendations
Here are some useful links and articles to help:
- Upcoming Sequoia Mental Health Webinars
- Online Therapy Apps
- Headspace: Free Courses for Employees
- Headspace: Free Courses for Businesses
- Calm: Take a Deep Breath – Free Resources for Individuals
- How to Keep Coronavirus Fears From Affecting Your Mental Health
For more information and resources from MHFA during this difficult time, read these new resources:
Parenting, Family & Pet Support
For Employees with Families
Survival Guide for WFH Parents with Kids At Home Too
An open-source Google Doc. Switching gears into full-time parenting plus full-time work mode. This is an open-source doc to gather ideas for those attempting to stay sane working from home, while also keeping the kids productive / entertained / not get into too much trouble.
COVID-19 Resources for Families and Students
A Google Doc of Shared Resoures Included Online Learning and Virtual Field Trips.
Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions
A shared doc of amazing educational resources that’s updated every few hours.
Scholastic’s Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures
Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Grades Pre-K through 9.
FitPro’s List of Activities and Resources for Keeping Kids Busy and Educated
Check out this great list of activities to do together and online learning resources to keep your kids engaged and continue learning.
COVID-10 & Fertility
This page is a resource about how the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 are impacting the pursuit of parenthood from Carrot
COVID-19 & Pregnancy: Your Questions Answered
FAQ by Medical Professionals at Ovia.
Best Productivity Practices
Working From Home With a Child: During mandated work-from-home periods, parents may not have access to high-quality childcare. With that in mind, here are the best practices for productivity while working at home with a child:
KidStrong University
14 day free access to daily activities and workouts, library of videos and livestream events for kids
Sample Family Schedule
by Jessica McHale
PBS KIDS for Parents
Offering free resources and information from articles like How to talk with your kids about coronavirus to family learning activities. All PBS KIDS for Parents content is created by expert educators and child development professionals and vetted by PBS.
Carrot Fertility’s Coronavirus Resource Center
In response to demand from people around the world who are struggling to understand the impact of the virus on fertility care plans, Carrot is opening their doors to non-members. This page is a resource about how the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 are impacting the pursuit of parenthood.
For Employees with Pets
Nationwide Pet Insurance
A unique feature for Nationwide members is that all of our pet insurance policies come with 24/7 access to vethelpline®. This means that members can have their pet health questions and concerns addressed by veterinary professionals without leaving their homes. The vethelpline® staff has expertise across a wide range of pet health issues, including poisoning, parasites and infectious diseases. Members can find more information at my.petinsurance.com.
Your Fuzzy
Offering access to Pet Telemedicine, Teletriage, and Telehealth Services, as well as Home Delivery for Prescription Medicatios, Food, and Pet Supplies.
For Employers
UrbanSitter
Can get set up and running in 2 business days for new clients. Waiving implementation fees through the end of March. Employers can fund credits through their platform for employees.
Cleo
Has launched this dedicated COVID-19 updates page, where they will continue to share tips and best practices for families and organizations. (Starting 3/23, Cleo will open expert-led, live video Q&A sessions to every family, manager or HR leader who needs help. Each session will be led by a Cleo expert, including our OBGYNs, midwives, developmental psychologists, and career coaches – read more.
Financial & 401(k) Support
For Individuals & Families
All signs indicate the market will see a tremendous amount of volatility in the short term as the market tries to digest the economic impacts of COVID-19. It is important to remember we have seen similar challenges before, and the market has historically recovered.
Market Bulletin: Don’t Fear the Bear
A discussion on stock market volatility and how it may affect your financial picture
Prosperous
Get started on accomplishing your financial goals today with a free financial consultation
Ayco’s COVID-19 Resources
Ayco is here to help you navigate these challenging times. Please use these resources and check back often as we will continue to add more tools and information to help you during this time.
White Paper: Getting Financially Prepared For Harder Times
Insights to help guide you through the additional financial stress due to the coronavirus pandemic
Stay Informed Bulletin: Coronavirus Impacts on Financial Wellness
Quick insights on financial regulations impacting mortgage refinancing, student loans, HRAs, Taxes, and IRAs
White Paper: Handling Market Volatility
Common-sense tips for navigating uncertain markets
White Paper: Why Diversification Matters
This white paper helps to understand how diversification helps mitigate risk of loss
Video: What is Asset Allocation
Best Practices on building investment allocations
At-Home Fitness & Nutrition
For Employees
The following companies are offering temporary free access to their streaming classes and/or memberships:
Grokker
Grokker is providing complimentary access to its on-demand video wellbeing solution to individuals, employers, and non-profits. During this time, users will have access to Grokker’s holistic wellbeing programs and videos – including fitness, mental health, nutrition, sleep and financial wellness. This includes access expert encouragement, GrokTalk and the support of the Grokker community. Free through April 30, 2020.
Peloton
Stream any Peloton class on your phone, tablet or TV. This includes yoga and meditation; cardio, cycling, or running workouts; and strength in bodyweight and strength training classes. Free for 90 days.
Corepower Yoga
Offering free Yoga and Yoga Sculpt classes you can stream at anytime via their Yoga On Demand. Free.
Wellbeats
Access 500+ workouts from the convenience of your home. Available until April 30th.
PVolve
Choose from 200+ videos, with new ones added weekly. Filter by length, body focus and more. Extended 30-day free trial, no credit card needed.
The Class by Taryn Toomey
This therapeutic stress-relieving class involves jumping, body-weight exercises and breathing exercises (some chanting, too) set to music. It requires no equipment, but you do need an open mind. Free 14-day trial.
Nike Run Club
The Nike Run Club app offers lots of workouts from top running coaches for all levels. The app also tracks your distance and pace so you can ensure you’re getting your steps in while you’re cooped up inside. Free.
Daily Burn
If you miss the social aspect of workout classes, consider giving Daily Burn a try. Their engaged online community could help you stay motivated while you’re self-quarantined. In addition to thousands of recorded group workouts (from Pilates to postnatal classes), they also provide virtual one-on-one training sessions through the smartphone app. Free 30-day trial.
Aaptiv
Has curated their best sleep, meditation, and at-home classes and made them available for free on Apple Podcasts. Click here to access them now. Free.
Healthkick
We created HK@Home, a curated selection of exclusive offers for over 50 HealthKick brands that you can use from the comfort of your home – from streaming fitness apps, to meal and grocery delivery, to mindfulness apps and more.
Vous Vitamins
Access to the Vous Vitamin content library of 80+ articles on vitamin and wellness topics written by board-certified physicians with expertise in supplement science. The content library can be accessed here. 30% discount through April 30th. Promo code: SEQUOIA.
Free 90-day trial of Fitbit Premium
To make health more accessible, Fitbit is offering a free 90-day trial of Fitbit Premium to users wherever Premium is available, and offering 40 new pieces of Premium content for free in the Fitbit app. Premium offers access to hundreds of workouts categorized by time, activity, and fitness level—so that you can easily find what’s right for you.
For Employers
The following companies are sharing free / short term solutions or articles for employers:
Fitness
Grokker
To get access for employees and non-profit organization members, authorized representatives can visit www.grokker.com/covid-19, complete the online form and click the “Get Grokker Free” button. In addition to generating streamlined access for all employees and non-profit members, Grokker will provide a complete communications toolkit to make it easy to share the program with your team.
Smoking/Vaping
Quit Genius
With smokers and vapers at high-risk of developing serious lung disease from COVID-19, Quit Genius will be offering free tobacco and vaping cessation programming to employers in March and April. Implement Quit Genius for free in new organizations within 48 hours.
Ergonomics
Physera
Ergonomwhat? Helping your remote workforce set up a home office: Ergonomics matter
Whether you’re a seasoned work-from-home pro or new to the reality of remote working, it’s important your workspace is set up correctly. Your health and wellbeing — as well as productivity — are counting on it
Remote Working
For Employees
The COVID-19 Work From Home Guide
Acontinuously-updated guide sharing combined best resources, tips, tricks, and practices to successfully work from home in one place.
GitHub’s HR Toolkit
A remote work starter guide for employees: how to adjust to work-from-home for employees who are grappling with their new remote reality, here are five tips to implement straight away in your journey to acclimate.
Your COVID-19 Plan For Dual Career Couples
Managing career and carework during disruptions.
Best Practices for Working Remotely
In this online course, Join Shelley Osborne, VP of Learning at Udemy, for her best tips to set yourself up for success when working from home.
For Employers
HR Toolkit: Staying Productive During the COVID-19 Crisis
Includes company response plans, remote work best practices, and a content library.
GitHub’s HR Toolkit: Remote work emergency plan
For leaders who are suddenly managing work-from-home teams, there are five things you can focus on right now to maximize stability.
Smartsheet’s Coronavirus Preparedness Template Set
Enables you to communicate guidance around COVID-19 to you selected audience, keep your workforce up to date, and survey those who may pose a risk. Scroll down to learn more and get stated!
Tip Sheet – 7 Tips to protect your business from the risks of remote employees
With huge increases in WFH employees, this tip sheet provides insight on minimizing the new risks facing companies.
Building resilience in the workplace during COVID-19
Aduro will be providing resources to help HR leadership manage the heightened anxiety and transition to remote work—best practices to maintain productivity and, most importantly, maximize individual well-being.
4 Ways You Can Give Your Remote Workforce a Sense of Togetherness
Here’s four top companies have made remote employees feel part of a close-knit team — no matter how far apart they may be.
Webinars & Trainings
Upcoming Webinars
For Employers
Monday, March 30th at 11:00 AM PT
Rock star to rock bottom – Preventing employee burnout in stressful times
Hosted by Employee Benefit News & Employee Benefit Adviser
RSVP
Monday, March 30th at 12:00 PM PT
Working From Home – Helpful Tips to Ensure A Smooth Transition
Hosted by PBergo and Sequoia
RSVP
Wednesday, April 1st at 11:00 AM PT
Ginger’s “Meet a Vendor” Webinar
Hosted by Ginger
RSVP
For Employees
Friday, March 27th at 10 AM PT
Live Q&A with experts: Maternal mental health, pregnancy, and fertility
Hosted by Maven
RSVP
Tuesday, March 31st at 11 AM PT
The kids are alright? Keeping your children safe from cyber harm while housebound
Hosted by Megan Meier Foundation
RSVP
Wednesday, April 1st at 9 AM PT
In this together: Mindful leadership through times of crisis
Hosted by Headspace
RSVP
Wednesday, April 1st at 12 PM PT
Take a moment for yourself and register for this meditation
Hosted by Journey Meditation
RSVP
Recorded Webinars & Trainings
For Employers
The data-driven approach to supporting your employees through the Coronavirus
From Ovia Health, March 26th
View the webinar
COVID-19 HR Guidance and Best Practices
From ThinkHR, March 19th
View the webinar
COVID-19 and Fertility
From Carrot, March 18th
View the webinar
Investment Decisions in Times of Heightened Market Volatility – Effects of COVID-19 on Today’s Markets
From Sequoia, March 16th
View the webinar
HR Strategies and Tactics to Navigate Challenges of COVID-19
From Sequoia and Guest Speakers, March 9th
View the webinar
21st Century Podcast Episode: Coronavirus HR Resources
March 8th
For Employees
The Days of COVID-19: Frauds & Scams
From SONTIQ, March 25th
View the webinar
Older Adults & Isolation During COVID-19
From Mental Health America, March 25th
View the webinar
At-Home Sanity: Culture & Learning
For Individuals & Families
We are so inspired by the way institutions and organizations are getting creative around keeping minds stimulated during these times of isolation. Check out some of our favorite streamed and virtual experiences from around the world:
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Watch free live-streaming concerts.
Metropolitan Opera
Watch free streams at 7:30 pm EST each night.
Museum Virtual Tours
Twelve famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your couch.
Paris Musées
A collection of 14 museums in Paris have recently made high-res digital copies of 100,000 artworks freely available to the public.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Be delighted by the antics of our sea otters or mellow out to the hypnotic drifting of our jellies. With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are.
San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park
With ten live cams to choose from, you can still enjoy the wonder of seeing animals in their natural environments from your own home.
Houston Zoo Facebook Live Series
Each weekday, we’re hosting an 11 am CST Facebook Live to bring the Zoo to YOU! We will be sharing daily updates of what our furred, flippered, and feathered friends are up to and how our zookeepers are caring for them while we are closed. Or choose from six live cams that you can control yourself!
20 Amazing Places You Can Visit Without Leaving Home
Here you’ll find some of earth’s most impressive treasures: natural wonders; works of art; architectural miracles and much more.
Ways to Give Back
The following resources offer ways that you can aid in the fight to stop and find a cure for COVID-19, as well as other way to gives back virtually.
Sequoia Coronavirus Response Fund
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Sequoia is making a dollar-for-dollar match up to $100K to the Sequoia Coronavirus Response Fund. All donations are tax-deductible and will go to the non-profit organizations best equipped to respond to those in need. Together, we can make a meaningful positive impact.
25 Volunteer Jobs to Do from Home
Browse our list of 25 volunteer jobs to do from home. You may just find a fun volunteer project and find an easy way to help a good cause.
9 Places to Volunteer Online (And Make a Real Impact)
All you need to make a difference is an internet connection.
Give & Take: How to Give Back When Staying Home
As we find ourselves increasingly staying at home, it can be harder to find ways to contribute, but many of us have more time on our hands than ever to do just that. Luckily, there are a number of ways to give back even if you’re limiting social contact, or even without leaving home. Here are five of our favorites.
Coronavirus Relief: Keep Kids Learning
DonorsChoose empowers public school teachers from across the country to request much-needed materials and experiences for their students. With physical schools closed, The Keep Kids Learning pilot program at DonorsChoose empowers teachers to get materials directly to students.
Other Ways to Give Back
The CDC Foundation is raising funds to help respond to the pandemic where federal and state funding is not available, including purchasing and delivering food and medical needs to quarantined and isolated individuals. Donate here.
No Kid Hungry uses its resources to feed children in the hardest-hit communities and educate families on where to find food while schools are closed to ensure kids get three meals per day. Donate here.
Meals on Wheels delivers meals and conducts safety checks with seniors, a population that is particularly vulnerable during this outbreak. The organization is raising funds to cover the additional costs of delivering meals during this period. You can donate to the national organization here, and find ways to help a local program here.
Feeding America is a hunger-relief organization that serves families and individuals across the country through their network of food banks, pantries and meal programs. You can donate to their national organization here, or look into ways to support your local food bank here.
COVID 19 Response Fund is raising funds to support the World Health Organization in their efforts to prevent, detect and respond to the pandemic, and develop vaccines, tests and treatments. Donate here.
Compliance Resources
Sequoia Compliance Blog
Navigating compliance and policies during this time can be a confusing and stressful challenge. Check out recent posts from our Sequoia Compliance Blog for up-to-date resources from our team.
Other Compliance Resources
ThinkHR COVID-19 Resources (Login Required)
Comprehensive list of COVID-19 HR-related employer resources ranging from CDC and OSHA materials to ThinkHR templates, including a sample furlough letter (among other employee communications), a sample telecommuting agreement and checklist, and an acknowledgment of receipt of company-issued property.
Department of Labor Information
This site includes helpful Fact Sheets, FAQs on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and provides the new required Employer Posters.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for Employers
This site provides resources regarding how to plan, prepare, and respond to COVID-19 from an employee health perspective.
Workforce Systems Resources
The following are resources from various workforce system providers to help you navigate the challenges you and your workforce are facing during this time.
ADP
ADP Employer Preparedness Toolkit: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Navia
Navia shares actions and FAQs for employers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Paylocity
Resource Library from Paylocity
UltiPro
COVID-19: Leadership and HR Best Practices in Uncertain Times – Helpful Resources for Managing a Remote Workforce and more
Zenefits (has SMB focus)
COVID-19 Blog: Stay up to date on the coronavirus and what SMBs and HR pros need to know
Paycor (has SMB focus)
Paycor Shares Coronavirus: Support Center For SMB Leaders
HR Policies & Communications
The following are crowdsourced resources from various companies sharing their best practices, communications, policies, and helpful tips during this time – as well as helpful articles from credible sources.
Public Coronavirus Company Communications
This is a crowdsourced collection of resources for HR and business leaders to help inform and support Coronavirus response plans. Here you’ll find a curated collection of public Coronavirus response communications, templates, news, remote work, hiring impact, and resources.
COVID-19 HR & People Ops Prep Doc
LifeLabs Learning has gathered 650+ HR Leaders from different companies to share ideas, policies, and templates. We co-created this shared doc (which continues to be a work in progress).
Culture Amp’s COVID-19 Resource Page
Culture Amp is working with HR leaders around the world, to take swift action to #StopTheSpread. Linked here, you’ll find our Culture First COVID-19 page that links to numerous HR tools and resources, as well as opportunities to participate in virtual support groups.
Fast Company: How HR Leaders are Preparing for the Coronavirus
We’re beginning to see the business ramifications of COVID-19. While we don’t yet know its full global impact, HR leaders are preparing for what’s next.
People Tech Free Offerings
Over 20 of our PeopleTech Partners companies have offered free offerings in this turbulent time we are in. Amazing collection of free offerings from our portfolio companies to help with everything from remote work process, org chart scenario planning, employee financial assistance, parental support, coaching, remote learning options, manager training, remote sessions with physical therapist, trainers, immigration consultations and much more!
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Sequoia Consulting Group. Articles and resources are based only available data from partners and open source information.
Have other resources to share?
Your experiences, examples, and ideas may help others during this time of uncertainty and we’d love to foster awareness about this topic in any form possible.
