Happy Wednesday! On this week's Big I Buzz, we are discussing what Black Friday 2020 will look like, what employers should know about Gov. Evers' Executive Order #94 and a few steps to help reduce pandemic fatigue. 

What Evers' Executive Order #94 Really Means for Employers

Executive Order #94 calls for unity and working together in an advisory capacity. As an employer, this means that there will be no mandates. Instead, it encourages employers to follow a list of suggestion to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to their employees, customers and communities. 

Second, there will be no government penalties or enforcement provision. Instead, employers should be prepared to address concerns from employees, clients and customers. 

Finally, some health departments are making statements based on the new order to address county- or city-wide requirements issued by authorities. 

Employers should be ready to answer questions regarding the suggestions outlined in Order #94. Great steps to take would be to consult local health departments to determine if there are any updates in response to the order, review and update business COVID-19 response plan and protocols to incorporate updated guidance and prepare talking points to explain the employer's response to Order #94, accordingt o Godfrey & Kahn.

What will Black Friday Look Like in 2020? 

2020 has brought many changes with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the holidays are no different. According to Property Casualty 360, shoppers are shying away from Black Friday. A recent Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey shows that shoppers are minimizing in-store shopping and choosing home delivery. According to the survey, 76% of consumers want retailers to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day, and have of those respondents said retail workers deserved a day off. In addition to offering in-home delivery (free and fast) and curbside pickup, Accenture recommends retailers consider appointment-based shopping. Read more about the Accenture survey and how Black Friday may be different in 2020 here. 

7 Steps to Reduce Pandemic Fatigue

The stresses of COVID-19 can cause pandemic fatigue with fears of infection, actual infection, isolation in quarantine and social distance, job losses and more sit at the front of your mind. A clear sign of pandemic fatigue is a sense of inner weariness. You could also feel fear, anxiety, loneliness and hopelessness.  

UCLA Health recommends seven steps to take to reduce pandemic fatigue: 

1. Create new traditions - While many activities you may normally enjoy may not be a possibility any more, instead find a new hobby to bring you joy. Some stay-at-home options: pick up a new craft or new book series to focus on. 

2. Try positive self-talk - ignore the "what-if" thoughts regarding the pandemic, and instead, think about the positives of what you're doing to stay safe. 

3. Accept your feelings - Allow yourself to acknowledge and name your feelings instead of pushing them away. Then, refocus your mind and energy on things you can do to feel better. 

4. Connect with others - Being alone and feeling isolated can be stressful. It's important to connect with others outside of your household. Great options to do so would be making phone calls, arrange video meetings, take a live class online and join IIAW's Online Community where you can connect with other industry professionals. Join the Online Community here: iiaw.com/joincommunity.

5.  Lower your stress - focus on activities that are calming and bring you joy such as any stress-relieving activity like going for a nature walk, yoga or watching a comedy. 

6. Limit your news intake - while it's important to stay up-to-date on current news and COVID-19 updates, consuming too much news can overload you and zap your energy. Consider taking a break from the news for a day or two. 

7. Take care of your body - Make sure you're getting enough sleep, maintaining a nutritious diet and exercising. Doing these will boost your energy, lift your mood and strengthen your immune system. Learn more here. 

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter Big I Buzz. If you aren't subscribed, click  here to add your email to our emailing list. We hope that everyone has a great rest of their week!