Here’s news you can use in a constantly changing business environment including insurance coverage for at-home COVID testing, how Omicron absenteeism could affect economic growth, how mangers can avoid appearing biased and more.

1. At-home COVID testing covered for many — A new federal policy requires private health insurers to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for each insured person. At the same, the Michigan Attorney General warns folks to beware of fraudulent testing sites and kits. Legit at-home COVID-19 tests have FDA authorization; check out this list of authorized antigen diagnostic tests.
2. Omicron absenteeism wave — From supply chain disruptions to staffing shortages at hospitals, stores, restaurants, airlines, schools and everywhere in between, sick days could stunt economic growth.

3. Instead of being friends with employees — A fifth-grade teacher’s instructions for her students are an effective way for managers to avoid looking biased and treating everyone fairly. Start with noticing everyone and being friendly to all. Discover the five ways to be kind to all. 

5. Protect your intellectual property from theft — Your discoveries, patents, trade secrets and more help you secure economic and competitive advantages. Explore tips for protecting all your intellectual property.
6. Is it time to ditch departmental silos? In a typical business that’s just getting off the ground, silos can help people work more effectively. However, in later stages of growth, silos can bog down development. Find out when siloing hurts and helps.

Thank you to our Friday Five sources: NPR, mLive, FDA, GoBankingRates, Inc., Legal Zoom, and Newsweek.

Do you have business banking questions? Contact our knowledgeable commercial loan officers online or call 800-991-2221. We’re also available to help in person at your local office.

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