Whether you are an employer or an employee, returning to work after COVID-19 can be an intimidating thought. Here are the latest guidelines to follow.
A New Workplace Normal For Workers And Employers
Returning to work after COVID-19 presents challenges for employers and employees alike. While many workplaces that shut their doors earlier this year are now open, the pandemic continues to rage on. That means keeping employees, customers, and visitors safe and reducing the virus’s spread remains a top priority. Employees also face new issues relating to their leave and disability rights under laws passed in response to the crisis.
Here are just a few of the significant issues facing the workforce and the companies that employ them as thousands return to work after COVID-19 induced months of furloughs, layoffs, and working from home.
Maintaining a Safe Workplace
Federal and state laws require all employers to provide and maintain a safe workplace for their employees. But what that means during the COVID-19 era can be complicated, especially as experts learn more about the virus and government guidance and restrictions often change.
Employers should follow all laws, executive orders, and other rules and limitations established by local and state governments and public health authorities regarding indoor spaces and employee safety. As a general matter, employers and employees can turn to the guidance provided by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for basic information about how to minimize risks from COVID in the workplace.
The CDC guidance on returning to work after COVID-19 includes detailed suggestions as well as general policies and protocols, including:
- Conducting daily employee health checks
- Performing a workplace hazard assessment
- Encouraging employees to wear masks and cloth face coverings in the workplace
- Implementing policies, practices, and break room organization for social distancing
- Improving building ventilation systems