Back to Work Guidelines and Safety Measures for Employers After a Pandemic

The business world adapted faster than many would have thought possible when the COVID-19 virus became a reality, finding ways to get as many employees to work remotely and safely as possible. However, once restrictions start to lift, and life begins to return to ‘normal,’ it becomes essential for employers to be cautious when bringing employees back to work.

The pandemic has undoubtedly created a new normal across industries, and responsible business owners will want to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers as they get back to business. As you ease back into it, keep in mind some of these critical work guidelines and safety measures to ensure all stay protected:

Be Thoughtful About Who Returns to the Workplace and When

Even though the economy may be starting to open up and life may be looking more normal, it does not mean that this transition back to the workplace will be feasible for all employees. Any employees who have pre-existing medical conditions or find themselves in particularly vulnerable populations may be wary about coming back into the office too soon because of their elevated risk. Similarly, otherwise healthy employees may have family members or dependents who are vulnerable, and those employees will want to be more careful as well. For these employees that have reason to be more cautious, it will be important to oversee these individuals’ safe transition back into the workplace.

Enact Open and Understanding Policies for Employees Who Are Sick

While most businesses already have an established sick leave policy and program, it will be especially important to stress these policies to employees as they return back to work after the pandemic. Employees might have felt pressured in the past to come into work even if they were sick to finish projects or out of a sense of duty to remain responsible for their tasks. However, in the post-COVID-19 world, it’s more important than ever that employees know that they should stay at home if they’re experiencing symptoms. It’s the employer’s duty here to make sure the employees know these policies are there to protect them.

Legal Restrictions on Test Results

A key to re-opening the economy safely will continue to be regular testing. As with all health-related information, this is an area where employers will need to be cognizant to tread carefully and be aware of the legal protections employees have. For one, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has guided business owners in acquiring whether employees have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as whether they have been exposed to the virus or experienced symptoms. Because of the threat of contagion, businesses are protected and permitted to ask these questions.

On the other hand, employers are not permitted to disclose test results of staff members who tested positive to other employees. For anyone who may have been in close contact with an individual who tested positive, employers may notify them of that fact, but they cannot disclose the identity of the employee who tested positive.

Econo-Courier is a trusted and reliable courier service to businesses in the New York metropolitan area. As your business gets back to work after the pandemic, we are here for you to make sure your logistics are up to your needs. If you have questions about our back to work policies or our offerings for you, get in touch with us today.