Delta Disaster: Don’t Let Delta Wreak Havoc on Your Organization’s Operations
Just as the nation began celebrating reopening efforts and decreased COVID-19 transmission due to vaccination efforts — the Delta variant hit like a freight train. The more contagious mutation has now reversed the nation’s minimal recovery from the virus’ initial damage.
Organizations are fatigued and facing uncertainty as to how they can continue operating with under the impact of Delta, ever-changing guidance and evolving regulations. We’ve gathered the latest information to assist you in navigating ongoing efforts to battle COVID-19’s effects on operating a business.
New Regulations
In an address to the nation on Sept. 9, President Joe Biden announced changes to Department of Labor regulations to combat the virus. Notably, employers with 100 or more employees must ensure their workforces are fully vaccinated or provide a negative test weekly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been charged with developing the rule, which will be issued as an Emergency Temporary Standard. Multiple state governments, including Texas, are vehemently opposing these changes. Biden also announced Executive Orders that require most federal employees, federal contractors and health care workers be vaccinated. The new orders also require employers to provide paid time off for employees to be vaccinated and/or recover from any adverse effects.
It is imperative businesses stay abreast of whether these proposals are enforced, as this potentially impacts millions of employees and their employers.
In the meantime, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend vaccination and wearing a mask to decrease the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19. The agency has reversed previous guidance issued this spring, prior to the Delta surge, relaxing mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals. The agency’s current guidance advises all unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals persons should wear a mask in public spaces, indoor or outdoor, especially in areas of high transmission as the possibility of being infected and asymptomatic exists, albeit at a low rate.
Let’s Get Practical
Here are some tips to ensure your organization remains viable while protecting your workforce from COVID-19 exposure:
- Physically, organizations should assess whether returning to remote or hybrid environments allows for continued operations and consider this until cases reach a manageable level. For example, create a master calendar to identify when employees will be in the office or working remotely. This allows for business continuity and the ability to limit the risks of in-office transmission. For employers with the need to conduct business in person, requiring vaccinations and masks is a viable option. It is also permitted to request employees provide proof of their vaccinations if requirements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are followed.
- Culturally, employers must remember the importance of compassion and empathy. Every individual is experiencing similar trials from the pandemic. Continued business viability will require leaders to meet their teams where they are. Consider the elements of stress and anxiety impacting you and understand the same elements are impacting employees. Flexibility, gratitude, recognition and patience are keys to facilitating a culture that survives the pandemic and thrives after.
Our experts at PPR are constantly reviewing the quickly developing environment and regulatory changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are happy to provide specific guidance tailored to your organization, when you need it. Let us help you ensure Delta doesn’t wreak havoc on your organization’s operations.