The planned return of a major portion of Humana employees to the office would be a major boost for the local economy. The Louisville-based health insurance and health care provider operated with 90% of its workforce in remote work mode since March 12, 2020 when the first Covid-19 case was reported at a company workspace. Recently, Humana announced that it will push to have its offices staffed following the Labor Day.
- Local eateries to benefit: With more than 12,000 Louisville-area employees, Humana is by far the largest office occupant in the Central Business District and the prospect of the company’s return to in-person work would be a significant shot in the arm for restaurants, cafes, and other downtown service businesses.
- Supervisors to decide comeback: “We are working toward having our offices fully operational right after Labor Day and for associates to more broadly enter the workspace,” Humana Chief Administrative Officer Tim Huval wrote in an April 22 memo to “people leaders” within the company. Huval said that from late April through early June, supervisors would decide the details of “how, when, and where teams will come back together.”
- Humana’s contribution: Despite the pandemic, Humana Medicare Advantage members maintained the overall health-related quality of life in 2020, while actually improving physically Healthy Days. Humana’s Basic Needs Program provided more than 1.1 million meals to at-risk members. Humana conducted nearly 6.2 million screenings for health-related social needs. The company and its many partners pay special attention to food security and social connection, with the intent of improving holistic health and health-related quality of life.
- Actions against Covid: “We are at a pivotal moment in our country’s history as we work to get through the COVID pandemic. Actions we are taking now – and commitments we are making for the years ahead – enable us to continue helping the people we serve have more Healthy Days and better lives,” said Bruce D. Broussard, Humana President, and Chief Executive Officer.
- More options for employees: “While our offices have remained open through the pandemic for critical and specific needs, this next step will broaden the options for our employees. This decision is based on the needs of the business and our employees along with a data-driven, core set of criteria including community COVID cases, vaccination rates, state and local guidelines and other environmental considerations. We continue to be adaptable because many of our employee’s work from a variety of workplaces”, said Humana in a statement.