EEOC Pandemic Preparedness: Learn how Employers Should Prepare the Workplace for the New Normal

In response to COVID-19, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated and/or provided guidance related to the current employment concerns specific to the pandemic.  The guidance offers helpful insights into how the agencies are balancing changes to normalcy, along with legal requirements posed by a variety of employment laws.  (For a different recent example of agency guidance, see this week’s companion article, describing OSHA’s information on safety training, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements in the context of COVID-19.)

The EEOC is updating this 2009 publication to address its application to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  Employers and employees should follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state/local public health authorities on how best to slow the spread of this disease and protect workers, customers, clients, and the general public.  The ADA and the Rehabilitation Act do not interfere with employers following advice from the CDC and other public health authorities on appropriate steps to take relating to the workplace.  This update retains the principles from the 2009 document but incorporates new information to respond to current employer questions.  For readers’ ease the COVID-19 updates are all in bold.   

The EEOC reminds us that all federal regulations are still being enforced during the COVID-19 Pandemic. All discrimination claims will be reviewed and processed.

Learning Objectives:

• The EEOC Revised their guidance by adding updates based on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Learn how the updates are identified
• Learn how the EEOC plans to prepare Employers for the safety of employees
• Learn why it is critical to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Learn how both the EEOC and the ADA determine what is a pandemic
• Learn what the EEOC/ADA prohibit and permit due to COVID-19
• Learn if Employers can take employees temperature and when
• Learn what questions Employers can ask when they hire or rehire employees that do not violate discrimination
• Learn which regulations have changed due to the pandemic and which regulations are still in place
• What reasonable accommodations are restricted during the pandemic?
• Can Employers require employees to telecommute
• Can Employers require employees to wear protective gear at the worksite

Who Should Attend:

• All Employers
• Business Owners
• Company Leadership
• Compliance professionals
• Payroll Administrators
• HR Professionals
• Compliance Professionals
• Managers/Supervisors
• Employers in all industries
• Small Business Owners
• All Employers
• Large Business Owners
• Company Leadership
• Office Managers