Independent Worker Resources

This content is brought to you by iPSE-U.S., the Association of Independent Workers.

The COVID-19 outbreak has already dramatically impacted and reshaped our economy, our workplaces and our lives. And if you are Independent Worker or a company who relies on the agile and valuable talent of Independent Workers – this crisis poses additional threats not faced by traditional employees.

If you are an Independent Worker, consider

Financial support: The state of Michigan has been approved by the SBA to allow for applications to their Disaster Loan assistance program. This allows for SBA to offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Michigan small businesses suffering substantial economic injury during this time.

Tax Relief options: The IRS has extended the tax filing deadlines to July 15th and has also created a resource center for Independent Workers and small businesses to understand how they can benefits from the tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave.

Getting Involved on future Policy Solutions: Contact your state and federal representatives! It is essential for policy makers to understand that your concerns as an Independent Worker must be incorporated within the future solutions being proposed to address this crisis. Visit ipse.us/advocacy to download our legislative toolkit for contacting and speaking with your elected representatives.

Developing your skillset, visit old projects: During this time, it may be possible for you to further develop your skillset as an Independent Worker. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn CSS or take a dive deep into that new graphic design project you have put off – now is the time.

Remote work opportunities: With business shifting to remote and work from home arrangements – it is essential for you to be able to find that next contract or gig. Moonlighting.com provides thousands of part-time, work-from-home, contract, seasonal and service-related jobs, gigs and side-hustle opportunities.

Keeping work and home organized: With kids off from school, businesses moved into home offices and a whole workforce shifting to online meeting and project management programs – it may seem daunting to effectively organize and separate work and home life. During this time, make certain to plan for effectively organizing both – business resources such as ZOOM and Slack can help manage those out of office headaches with meetings and project management. And for children home from school, Khan Academy, an online learning platform offering parents and educators lessons, templates and agendas on how to continue education within the home during the COVID-19 crisis.

Maintaining your Mental Wellbeing: Managing your stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 outbreak may seem challenging – but by establishing routines and maintaining contact with relatives and friends, you can effectively handle this temporary period of -social distancing. Be certain to develop and maintain a routine, one that incorporates you getting out of your house or apartment. For example, if you are used to going to the gym in the morning, make sure to workout in your home before beginning your workday. Maintaining as much normalcy as possible in routine will help lift your spirits. Keep in contact with family members and friends, whether this be electronically or in person –we are social creatures who need this contact! And most importantly, do not obsess over the news – while it is important to stay up to date on this information, consider reading from your news sources once per day.

If your company utilizes Independent Workers, consider

Small Business Financial support: The state of Michigan has been approved by the SBA to allow for applications to their Disaster Loan assistance program. This allows for SBA to offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Michigan small businesses suffering substantial economic injury during this time.

Business Tax Relief: The IRS has extended the tax filing deadlines to July 15th and has also created a resource center for Independent Workers and small businesses to understand how they can benefits from the tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave.

Getting Involved on future Policy Solutions: With the additional state and federal legislative solutions already being debated, it is important for your business to ensure you understand how these laws will affect your company’s obligations to your Independent Workers. Visit ipse.us/advocacy to download our legislative toolkit for contacting and speaking with your elected representatives.

And as always, to find out more on the latest policy and industry news affecting Independent Work during this crisis, please visit ipse.us/covid-19.