When businesses were forced to close their locations and offices to accommodate and work from home, life changed for every employee. These companies are working hard to accommodate their employees, and there are a few tips below that explain how companies are adapting. A business needs to be concerned about employment law, hours for their employees, accommodations for its employees, and workflow.
Employment Makes A Difference
Jean Danhong Chen understands that companies have concerns about employment law and accommodations for their staff. An employee who feels as though they are being discriminated against because of the circumstances caused by COVID-19 can file an EEOC claim against the business.
For example, a mother who normally sends her kids to school every day must work with her kids because they are doing school online. She is highly effective in her position, and Jean D. Chen knows that this mom might feel overwhelmed if her employer will not accommodate her. Because of the unique situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this mother might have a compelling case for accommodations.
Companies Needed To Change Their Workflow
Companies that have bustling offices needed to send their employees home in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A business that is concerned about remaining efficient needs to change its workflow. For example, the team might have a daily meeting to share ideas or get the day started right. Executives and managers might meet to discuss the performance of the business, and paperwork might be shuffled throughout the office.
Jean Danhong Chen believes that companies like this need to use file-sharing services and video conferencing apps. The teams can meet using a video conferencing app, and they can even chat using these apps. File-sharing services can be used to shuffle papers from one person to another, and an online fax service can be used to send signed documents to co-workers.
Workflow, in many businesses has been changed, a lot of companies, have found that their employees are a little more relaxed and are more eager to meet deadlines. Perhaps working from home may be something that many other companies may adopt later on a more permanent basis.
Business Have Staggered Office Hours
A company that needs to maintain office hours, should stagger the schedules of all its employees. This helps employees get work done in the office without working together. For example, a large apartment complex might have two leasing associates and two managers. One manager can stay in their office while one leasing agent works in the front office. The other two employees can work every other day.
Jean D. Chen believes that businesses should stagger schedules to ensure that they do not spread the virus. An employee who contracts COVID-19 and becomes sick could sue the company because they were not scheduled properly.
Companies Should Enact A Mask Policy
Companies should enact a mask policy that forces all their employees to wear masks when they go to work. A mask policy helps keep everyone safe. Many offices who have begun to open back up, have extra masks on hand for their employees. There are several styles available for each business. A company that works directly with customers should offer N95 masks. A company that works in a quiet office might offer its employees cotton masks.
Companies Need To Stay Abreast Of Local Regulations
Jean D. Chen wants businesses to stay abreast of all local regulations. For example, a business that works in multiple states needs to know if workers will be pulled over as they drive from one state to another. Workers might need a letter from the business stating that they are going to work as an essential employee.
Companies that are in areas dramatically affected by COVID-19 might need to reduce their hours. These companies need to adjust their hours as listed online, and they need to train their employees to close the location at the appropriate time.
Businesses Need To Know If They Cannot Offer Certain Services
When a business must stagger hours and concern itself with accommodations for employees, it must also be aware of services it cannot provide. For example, a nail salon might offer manicures and pedicures using special safety equipment. However, the nail technicians will not offer the traditional foot and leg massage that comes with a pedicure. If the business is not operating properly, it could be cited, fined, or even closed down by the city or county.
Businesses Must Be Careful When Operating During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Jean Danhong Chen wants businesses to think carefully about how they will open, how they will handle employee shifts, and how they will accommodate employees. A business that does not follow these rules could be cited, fined, or shut down. Additionally, businesses need to know what is expected of them so that they do not contribute to the spread of the coronavirus. These businesses should consult with an employment lawyer if they have questions, and employees should reach out to an attorney if they believe they have not been treated properly during the pandemic.