COVID-19 and navigating EEOC guidance

As employees return to work, the EEOC has approved several measures that employers may take to ensure a safe workplace. (Image: Shutterstock)

Managing paid leave programs has always been a complex task for employers who want to do the right thing for their employees, and at the same time, stay compliant. However, as many employers continue to grapple with the economic fallout of the pandemic, keeping up with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and its latest developments has been daunting. To help navigate the FFCRA, Guardian Life hosted a webinar to address questions that brokers, HR administrators and employers have about the guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) related to COVID-19.

With return-to-work being top of mind for many employers, Guardian polled attendees by asking about what their top business priorities were today. It’s no surprise that 67% responded saying “implementing safety measures for employees” was the top priority. As employers begin to roll out their return-to-work strategy, they should continue to follow the best available medical advice as well as guidance from the Centers for Disease Control related to keeping employees safe in the workplace during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As employees return to work, the EEOC has approved the following measures that employers may take to ensure a safe workplace.