A year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have been preparing for schools and workplaces to reopen this fall. However, a new spike in cases caused by the Delta variant—especially among children and unvaccinated adults—has, according to experts, changed the whole environment. 

Many workplaces—both those that have stayed open and those that are reopening—are now reevaluating their COVID plans, as employers attempt to balance the importance of safety with the urgency of ensuring business operations are running smoothly. 

Unfortunately, many employers are not. Workers are struggling with how to respond to whatever choices their employers are making about workplace COVID safety given the rise of the Delta variant, especially if the choices don’t make them feel safe. 

At Empower Work, we’ve heard these concerns from workers first-hand: 

“I’m having issues with people following COVID guidelines at work. Is there a way to anonymously report the company as a whole?”

“I work for a cleaning business and my employer is making a coworker go to clients' homes even though she has been in contact with a family member who has COVID [...] My boss also told this coworker that she can't take any time off to take care of that family member.”

“What can I do to make sure [my workplace] takes COVID seriously? I've spoken out on it and have been harassed and bullied by management.”

Nearly everyone is exhausted, worried, and uncertain how to make the best choice. 

I’m a worker. What can I do to stay safe? 

We hear from many workers who are worried about what safety measures their employers are taking, whether there will be support for masks or new mask requirements, how to interact with coworkers who may not have similar risk tolerances, and more. 

As scientists’ understanding of COVID variants continuously evolves, recommendations and best practices will continue to evolve too. Though it can feel overwhelming to try to keep up, there are several things you can do. 

Stay informed

Regularly seek out information from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Scientists are studying the Delta variant and learning more every day, and ensuring your news comes from credible sources will help you make the best choices for yourself and your family. 

In addition, COVID-19 safety guidelines continue to vary by state, city, and industry. Stay up-to-date on local requirements and recommendations by following local news outlets, as well as the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) or your state workforce commission. 

Following recommendations from national and local public health officials, doctors, and scientists is the best way to inform your choices to stay safe at work. 

Share your concerns

We’ve heard from people who ask whether their employer can require people to come into work. 

Your employer should be concerned about the health and safety of you and the other employees. They should also be following local, state, and federal guidelines. However, many states are not issuing mandates as they were towards the beginning of the pandemic, so depending on where you live, the guidelines may not be clear. 

If you feel like your employer isn’t prioritizing safety, consider sharing your concerns. Chances are good you’re not the only one who has hesitations, and encouraging coworkers to do the same could help influence your employer’s decision. 

Many companies, like Apple, have already delayed their reopenings because of the Delta variant. Other companies, like Starbucks, have reinstated mask mandates. By sharing these examples, you may help convince your employer to follow suit. 

Depending how your employer responds, you can assess your options. Empower Work peer counselors can help. 

Protect yourself

Regardless of the safety measures at your workplace, you can take steps to protect yourself. The standard health recommendations at this point are to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and get vaccinated. 

Every step you can take towards minimizing your own risk of exposure can help ensure the safety of you and those around you.

Protecting yourself goes beyond physical safety as well. It can mean finding support for your mental health and well-being: especially for workers worried about the health and safety of their children, family members, and friends, the burden of responsibility can feel heavy. Protecting yourself can also mean evaluating whether your employer is out of line with your values, and whether leaving is an option you want to consider. 

Reach out to a loved one to share how you’re feeling. Or, reach out to Empower Work—our trained counselors can help you process what you’re feeling and create an action plan for how you want to move forward. 

What resources can I share with my employer? 

Workplace COVID safety is an important consideration, and employers have a responsibility to keep their workers safe. 

Respected medical institutions like The Cleveland Clinic have step-by-step guides for reopening workplaces safely amidst the current rapidly-evolving landscape of COVID-19. 

In addition to reminders about the standard practices we’re all familiar with—washing hands, wearing masks, keeping distance—they also recommend some best practices for communication and outreach: 

• Maintain a COVID-19 task force among leadership that meets regularly to share information and evaluate next steps.

• Develop regular messaging from leadership that includes valuable, consistent information to employees and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure your efforts are aligned with your organization’s mission and values and tie them into your communications.

• Customize information for each location since each state/country has different restrictions in place.

• Tell your employees how much you appreciate them. This isn’t easy for anyone. 

The Cleveland Clinic has also created industry-specific guidelines to help leaders make choices that keep their employees, clients, and constituents safe. These guidelines are available for a variety of industries, including educators, event planners, faith leaders, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and more.

Months or years down the road, people may not remember what was said, but they will certainly remember how their employer and their peers responded, and whether they felt safe. 

What can I do today? 

Whether you’re an employee trying to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, or an employer trying to reconcile recommendations from experts with the demands of your business, you don’t have to navigate this alone. 

Chat with a peer counselor at Empower Work today to weigh your options and decide how you want to move forward.