We've curated answers to your most pressing questions about coronavirus and work–including what your boss can and can’t do.
Whether your company has implemented a work-from-home policy or you’re still required to report to the office, the Coronavirus outbreak has us all grappling with uncertainty.
From paid leave changes to health concerns, we all have questions about how to handle this outbreak from an employment perspective. While much depends on your unique industry, workplace, and employer, we’ve answered some of the most pressing questions about work below.
Am I Required To Report To Work If I Feel I’m Risking My Health?
If you feel unsafe about being at work, it’s best to reach out to your HR department or manager with your concerns. They should communicate your company’s leave policy as well as any changes that the company has made in light of the circumstances. The CDC’s guidelines encourage employers to allow for telecommuting and flexibility during this time. If your company has not already implemented a work-from-home policy, present the option to your boss and explain the ways in which you can effectively work while practicing social distancing.
What Are My Legal Rights When It Comes To Pay And Sick Leave During COVID-19 Pandemic?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed last week in response to the pandemic which may help in the case of loss of work due to the outbreak. It establishes “a federal emergency paid leave benefits program to provide payments to employees taking unpaid leave due to the Coronavirus outbreak.” The law requires employers to provide paid sick leave in the event that employees are required to provide childcare for a son or daughter or care for a person infected with COVID-19.
It’s important to note that there are exceptions – some of the elements of the law apply only to companies with fewer than 500 employees. Your HR department or boss should communicate with you how this new law affects your use of sick leave.
Is My Employer Liable If I Contract COVID-19 While At Work?
Since it is difficult to determine where you contracted the virus, it would be difficult to prove that it was at work. Therefore, it is unlikely that your employer would be held liable in the event that you did become ill. This article speaks to this question in more detail.
How Do I Tell My Company If I Learn I’ve Been Exposed To COVID-19?
If you learn you’ve been exposed to the Coronavirus or are experiencing symptoms and waiting to be tested, it’s important to let your HR department or manager know. That way, they can alert your colleagues and/or clients so that those people can also self-quarantine. Since the World Health Organization explains that the Coronavirus can incubate for up to 14 days, communicate with them as quickly as possible to reduce potential exposure to others.
Is My Employer Required To Continue Paying Me If I Am Providing Childcare Due To School Closures?
Since thousands of people are experiencing the same situation, most employers are understanding of this and practicing leniency with regard to childcare. This may mean allowing you to work after hours and not follow a typical 9:00 to 5:00 schedule. Try speaking with your manager and explain your childcare situation so that you can work out a plan that is agreeable for both of you.
Note that the Families First Coronavirus Response Act also has a provision regarding childcare. You may be entitled to paid leave if you are unable to work while caring for your children.
Can My Company Take Away My Vacation Days Because Of The Outbreak?
Depending on your company’s policies and your contract, your company could potentially strip vacation days as a means to ensure that production continues. However, given the circumstances, it is unlikely that they’d choose to do so.
What Do I Do If My Coworkers Seem Unwell?
If you’re required to continue to work in close proximity with someone who you suspect is unwell, it’s important to let your HR department or manager know your concerns. Your colleague should be sent home so as to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus to you and others.
How Do I Effectively Work Remotely If My Job Usually Requires An In-Person Setting?
If you’re brand new to working from home, we’ve got lots of great resources for you. We find that keeping your workday structured is key to WFH success. If you’re a manager and need assistance with running online meetings, this webinar will help. And we’ve rounded up a huge list of WFH articles in our round-up of resources for working during the coronavirus.
Lastly, we want to remind you that the Career Contessa team is here to support you. We are quickly editing our content to bring you advice on the topics that matter and resources you can use. We recently made our entire webinar library free as well. If you have direct questions, email info@careercontessa.com.
