Returning to the Office — Employer Legal Liability

Offices are reopening their doors after a year plus of interruptions, closures, and remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. As more and more Americans are vaccinated and state and local restrictions lifted, employers are considering how best to navigate reopening and shifting back on site. What should employers be thinking about as they plan a return?

Labor and employment law expert Sara Kalis (at the firm Paul Hastings at the time of this interview) explores potential liability issues and offers practical advice on return-to-office policies and procedures. She explains some of the key considerations including OSHA’s health and safety requirements, social distancing plans, leave policies, workplace accommodations, and communications with employees. As Sara cautions, employers need to understand that the office environment post-COVID may be different from pre-COVID, and the policies should reflect those changes accordingly.