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1/ Idea thread: my work offers a program to financially incentivize employees to quit smoking. The premise is that healthier employees are better employees. Can we do the same thing with COVID prevention??
2/ I don’t know exactly what this looks like - feedback welcome! What I imagine is signing some sort of affidavit to confirm that you will follow CDC guidelines when interacting with people outside your household.
3/ for example, you can still go shopping with a friend, just wear a mask. You can BBQ with neighbors outside, just maintain 6’ distance.
4/ I’m thinking about this within the context of retail. Our business will experience significant losses (via payroll and sales) if a team member gets sick. It could mean we have to close a store temporarily or operate with less staff.
5/ This is going to be especially poignant during the holiday season. Which leads me to the idea that these affidavits could be used for shorter time periods - either during peak work periods or periods of high infection rates locally.
6/ the company would financially incentivize healthy behaviors in their employees because it will cost them more in the long run if/when employees get sick. Prevention for the sake of health doesn’t seem to be working well on its own at the moment.
7/ other work environments on my mind are hospitals. This concept could be useful there too! One of the biggest challenges with COVID in the healthcare system rn is staffing. Staff members are getting sick, often because of community spread.
8/ where should the money (the financial incentive to follow guidelines) come from if the hospital is a non-profit?? The government! The employee’s labor is invaluable to the employer AND the community, particularly when case counts get high.
9/ the same concept could apply to loads of workplaces. One key opportunity for us would be in schools!
10/ there would need to be accountability if you violate the affidavit. Again, I don’t have the details ironed out here. Idk how much money would be an appropriate incentive, how long the period should last, or what stipulations would have to be put in place.
Any feedback or ideas to share?
How does an HR team hold employees accountable for not smoking after signing an affidavit? I think it’s more about making a commitment to a healthy behavior. When you set that intention and involve your employer, you’re more likely to follow through.
@PantsuitPolitic @annehelen - would love thoughts on this thread from lawyers & a culture writer 
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