Johnny C. Taylor Jr., Special to USA TODAY Published 7:00 a.m. ET Jan. 12, 2021

Your employee assistance programs may offer virtual fitness programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.(Photo: Maxpetac / E+ via Getty Images)

Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a human resources expert, is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largestHRprofessional society.

The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.

Have a question?Do you have an HR or work-related question youd like me to answer?Submit it here.

Question: My office will not be reopening for the foreseeable future. Before we shut down, the office gym was popular among employees. Since it's no longer open, how can my company provide more health and wellness benefits? What are some examples? Anonymous

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: Your question is spot on. A major part of creating a positive workplace culture is ensuring employers are supporting their workers both physically and mentally.

As we welcome a new year, there are several things employers can do to provide health and wellness benefits and the good news is, they are likely already in place. After all, 58% of organizations offered general wellness programs in 2019.

How to work out in 2021: Some back at the gym, but many use fitness apps, online classes

Step one is to look at your health insurance and employee assistance programs. Even in these strange times, I imagine there are plenty of virtual wellness options to choose from. While you mentioned your office gym is closed, employee assistance programs may offer exercise and wellness classes like virtual boot camps or yoga as well as cooking and nutrition classes.

If you and your colleagues are missing the office camaraderie, like so many of us are, you could also suggest fun, health-focused activities like a step contest or a healthy cooking competition.

Going further, I cannot highlight the importance of access to mental health services enough. Employee assistance programs often include resources that connect employees with a provider for their mental and emotional health needs. With 41% of workers feeling burned out as a result of the pandemic, these resources can help employees navigate these incredibly challenging times through additional psychological services.

If your employer doesn't or can't provide such a program, ask your HR team if they can compile resources and information from your local health department to share with employees.

If you really want to make your health and wellness program unique to your workforce, survey those who know it best: employees. An employee poll can reveal what sparks their interest.

Im willing to bet youll get plenty of responses to help you determine the kind of benefits best suited for them. Some may even have recommendations and referrals you might have overlooked.

Whatever you decide, dont forget to measure their engagement to help you refine your program throughout the year. Good luck on what Im certain will be the start of a healthy journey for your organization!

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A record 4,085 COVID-19 deaths were reported in the U.S. on Jan. 7, according to Johns Hopkins data. USA TODAY

Q: Our company policy is that everyone must wear a mask while in the building, even at your desk.I have one supervisor who pulls his mask off while at his desk and has his nose uncovered when walking through the office. As the HR Manager, I have spoken to him about the need for the personal protective equipment.This seems to only last as long as HR is in the vicinity. How should I handle this situation? Anonymous

Taylor.: The answer is in your question its your companys policy to wear a mask when inside the workplace. Unless there is a legitimate health or safety reason, or a sincerely held religious belief, everyone at the worksite should comply.

As an HR Manager, you know this: Organizations must provide a reasonably safe environment for their workforce. But we cant create a hazard-free workspace if theres no follow-through. The policy is therule for a reason, and if employees arent getting the message, employers may need to reinforce measures to ensure a healthy worksite, up to and including disciplinary measures.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says employers can mandate employees to wear masks or other protective clothing, such as gloves and gowns, during a pandemic something many employers are considering. In fact, 86% of organizations are implementing or considering the required use of personal protective equipment.

Masks are also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and certain states and municipalities have their own mask requirement laws.

There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. Accommodations may be necessary under the American with Disabilities Act for employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from wearing a mask.

It sounds like youve already taken the steps to speak to this employee. Continue to respectfully, but firmly, stress the importance of wearing a mask at the worksite. Its not just a single employee that could be impacted, but the entire organization. The HR team can continue to communicate your companys policy on masks through emails, signs around the office, and verbally during meetings.

You mention that this person is a supervisor, but supervisors must lead by example. When leaders refuse to wear masks, it sends a message to the whole team that it might be acceptable when thats not the reality of your company.

May your team remain safe in the new year!

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How can organizations offer health and wellness benefits in 2021? Ask HR - USA TODAY