2022’s Workplace Pandemic Response Is Different Than Previous Years

Much of the world is approaching the two-year mark of attempting to navigate Covid-19, and skyrocketing cases due to the Omicron variant have thrown another wrench in recovery. 

However, the biggest difference in 2022’s reaction to the pandemic is that businesses and the government are trying to find a way to live with the virus, rather than be deterred by it. 

One of the most significant strategies being taken to make this a reality for the U.S. is the implementation of vaccine mandates. 

Recently, President Joe Biden signed an executive order that would require businesses with 100 or more employees to provide proof of vaccination from employees, or see them submit to weekly testing.  

The mandate went into effect on January 4, with the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) having the ability to fine non-compliant companies starting January 10. 

In December, President Biden also announced other methods of keeping businesses open during this period, including increasing access to booster shots, providing free at-home tests, and encouraging companies with less than 100 employees to ask employees to get vaccinated. 

Providing more remote working capabilities can also help businesses stay afloat during this time. Although not applicable to all, many companies have found that their employees can effectively work from home without disrupting operations, so including this arrangement into long-term plans could prevent pandemic-related losses. 

Having these types of strategies in place will be critical for business continuity. 

“Businesses have to be prepared,” said Michael Daignault, an ER physician and chief medical adviser for Reliant Health Services. “By the time another variant comes around and they react, it’s already too late.”