TIPS FOR GOING BACK TO WORK

Since the coronavirus hit the United States in the spring, about 35% of American workers have switched to telecommuting, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. And with the end of summer fast approaching, you may be wondering about your return to the office — should you return at all.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA, has suggested that employers develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan, as well as implement basic preventive measures, like promoting frequent hand-washing and telling employees to stay home if they are sick.

Still, employers may not enforce safety precautions because OSHA’s recommendations are not mandatory, said Merrick Rossein, a professor at CUNY School of Law. “The biggest problem and complaint from lots of advocacy groups is that there’s very little teeth,” he said.

In any case, “there’s no way you can just completely eliminate the risk, but what you have to do is minimize the risk,” said Wafaa El-Sadr, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia University. “It will require everybody doing their bit.”

Here are some tips and things to take into consideration as you figure out your return to the office.

1. Be prepared for things to look different.

“The whole process of coming into the office is likely going to change,”said Elizabeth Brink, a principal and global work sector leader at the architecture and design firm Gensler.

Some businesses have set up contactless entries. Many have installed sanitizer dispensers at each entry point as well as diagrams that illustrate how to enter and exit the building to prevent crowding. Once you reach your desk, you’ll probably notice that seats have been rearranged to ensure social distancing.

2. Find out what’s expected of you.

Enforcing social distancing and the use of face coverings in the workplace are the most critical safety measures, El-Sadr said, but you may encounter other precautions, too. For example, your employer may be staggering employees’ return dates and/or shifts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests employees fill out daily health surveys and disclose whether they have COVID-19 symptoms before coming into work.

It’s also important to understand how your company will respond if an employee tests positive for the coronavirus. In most cases, employers shouldn’t have to shut down their facilities, according to the CDC. If fewer than seven days have passed since a sick employee has been at work, the CDC suggests closing off any areas the person had used for prolonged periods of time.

3. Know your rights.

If you feel as if your employer isn’t taking the necessary steps to ensure your safety or is discriminating against you for any reason, read up on federal, state and local laws.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces several federal anti-discrimination laws, including the Americans With Disabilities Act. If you have a disability that puts you at greater risk from the coronavirus, you may be entitled to accommodations that would reduce your exposure, like a modified work schedule or shift assignment, unless the employer can prove the accommodations would be an undue burden on it.

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