Welcome to #WorkforceWednesday. This week, developments in three major areas are impacting employers’ return-to-work planning: the definition of “close contact,” caregiver support, and cybersecurity.
CDC Broadens “Close Contact” Guidance (Video)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broadened its definition of “close contact.” Now, spending a total of 15 minutes within six feet of an infected individual over a 24-hour period counts as close contact. Previously, it was an exposure period of 15 consecutive minutes. Attorney Denise Dadika explains what this change means for employers.
Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher.
Pandemic's Impact on Women and Caregivers: A Wake-Up Call for Employers (Video)
Employers fear that the COVID-19 pandemic could undo recent progress towards workforce equity, with women and caregivers leaving the workforce in droves. Flexible time off, remote work policies, and employee benefits, like on-site child care, are just a few options employers can deploy to retain female talent. Learn more about the legal issues.
Twitter Hack Is a Cautionary Cybersecurity Tale
A recent investigation report from the New York State Department of Financial Services found that despite the heightened cybersecurity risks as a result of remote work during the pandemic, Twitter did not implement any significant compensating controls after March 2020. Thus, hackers duped Twitter employees into disclosing their credentials. Read more.
Other Highlights
Ride-Share Companies Await November 3
Last week, the California Court of Appeal concluded that the State had shown that it was likely to prevail on its claims that ride-share companies violated AB5’s “ABC Test.” The court also rejected the companies’ arguments that they could not be expected to change their business models with the “flick of a switch.” Now, ride-share and other gig-economy companies await Californians’ vote on Proposition 22, which would exempt the companies from AB5.
Rules of the Road: Return to Work in the Time of COVID-19
Returning to the physical workplace safely and in a compliant manner is essential to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Use the 10 “Rules of the Road” to help guide your organizations and employees through this transition. This week, we’re featuring rule nine: Rule #9: Don’t Discriminate or Retaliate. If Plausible, Accommodate.
About Employment Law This Week
Employment Law This Week® gives a rundown of the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday®.
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