As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, many employers are looking ahead to how they will be dealing with the virus in 2023. With the pandemic having lasted this long, employers need to be prepared for the long term. This means rethinking remote employee policies and adjusting safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of staff and customers alike.

Employer Responsibilities

In order for employers to adequately prepare for the future of COVID-19 in 2023, they must understand their responsibilities and make sure they are following them. This includes developing comprehensive plans that outline protocols such as masking policies, social distancing regulations, and sanitation procedures. It is also essential that employers stay up to date on changing government guidelines so that their plan can evolve accordingly. Though some state-level COVID paid leave laws have expired (such as California’s law), others remain in effect with no expiration date (such as New York’s law).

Remote Employees

Another key factor for employers to consider when preparing for COVID-19 in 2023 is how they will handle remote employees. With remote work becoming increasingly popular during the pandemic, it is likely that more companies will continue offering some form of remote work in the future. Employers should develop policies and practices that clearly define expectations for both onsite and remote employees so everyone knows what’s expected of them and what their rights are within the company. For example,  applicable state disability and paid family leave laws depend on ‘physical worksite’ rather than location of an employer’s headquarters. Remote employees may have different leave requirements than on-site employees.

Evolving Policies

Finally, it is crucial that employers continuously evaluate their policies related to COVID-19 and make adjustments as needed. For example, if an employee tests positive or shows symptoms of COVID-19, it is important that they are immediately isolated from other employees while still receiving pay if applicable. Additionally, employers should consider offering flexible schedules or paid time off if workers need additional time away from work due to illness or caring for family members who have been affected by COVID-19.

As we move forward into the third year of living with COVID-19, it is essential that employers take steps now to prepare for its continued presence in 2023. By understanding their responsibilities related to preventing spread among employees, creating clear rules regarding remote work policies and expectations, and continually evaluating current policies related to COVID-19 safety protocol, employers can help ensure a safe working environment for everyone on staff. Doing so will help protect workers' health while allowing businesses operations to remain successful in this ever changing climate caused by this pandemic virus known as Covid 19 .