Are You Allowing Employees to Vacation Without a Safety Plan in Place Amid COVID-19? – HR Affiliates Blog
COVID-19 has affected the workplace in several complex ways, and will continue to do so as much uncertainty lies ahead. We’ve reached a point where a lot of people have recently decided to take out-of-state vacations. Concerned colleagues are now expressing their hesitation with those vacationing to return to the office. As the employer, it is both difficult and necessary to make accommodations during a global pandemic. Navigating the changes, making accommodations without accidentally discriminating, and keeping your team safe and healthy isn’t easy. HR Affiliates is here to help you handle the complexities.
Map Out a Safety Plan With Experienced HR Partners
The first step HR should take is helping your business come up with a safety plan for COVID-19 — strictly outlining everything employers are doing to protect their team from the virus. There are several situations where employees are brought back to work — from modified schedules, to weekly team rotations, and other specifics in between. There are also some industries where employees aren’t able to work from home. Recently, many people have been vacationing in “hot spots” and U.S. cases are spiking. It is, however, becoming more difficult to discern a “hot spot” given that the cases are rising daily by thousands in some locations that aren’t marked as “hot spots.” Any out-of-state travel can be risky. If your business has already adopted remote work, you should continue to do so and encourage those who have done any traveling to work from home, or impose a back-to-work safety plan. Creating a safety plan will accomplish the following:
- Establish a “healthy-at-work” officer. You’ll need someone at work to enforce all safety precautions and clarify any confusion.
- Define your stance on screenings. Employees will be informed of where the screening/temperature station is.
- Outline your process with masks, social distancing, PPE, and sanitation. Clearly defining every safety precaution for employee safety.
- Highlight accommodations. There will be certain employees who can opt-out from coming in, regardless of traveling.
These measures are important to have this in place as they’re a key anchor in responding to those who choose to travel during the pandemic. Beyond that, your company should have strict safety guidelines in place for every member — whether they’re traveling or not.
Partners With You Through the Tough Times
This topic has gained a lot of attention, and will continue to do so COVID-19 takes unexpected turns. With over 25 years of experience in HR, our team is qualified to get you through these dark times. Our first priority is to keep your team safe, and your business running. If you’ve gone this long without a safety plan for COVID-19, don’t wait any longer. We’re here to keep you on track at all times.