10 things that keep HR pros awake at night (COVID-19 edition), pt. 1 of 2

HR pros wear many hats. Since March 2020, they have been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to their many other tasks, they have needed to coordinate furloughs and layoffs, stay up to date with the latest health guidance, understand and implement coronavirus-related federal and state laws and regulations, introduce COVID-19 screening and workplace policies and procedures, and develop vaccination and other safety procedures. They are also the sounding board for questions and complaints. and there were lots of each over the last year or so.

Nevertheless, HR pros have been incredibly resilient. That said, they are still human and aren’t immune from workplace stress. Based on a recent survey of HR leaders, we’ve come up with a list of issues that keep them awake at night. This is the first installment in a two-part series on 10 things that keep HR professionals awake at night (the COVID-19 edition).

Complying with OSH Act safety guidelines

The Occupational Safety and Health Act’s (OSH Act) general duty clause took on new meaning over the past year as employers scrambled to comply with changing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance about workplace safety measures and keep employees safe from COVID-19 exposure.

The process involved daily screening, masking requirements, one-way corridors, social distancing, monitoring room density, no shared equipment, and single-use bathrooms, not to mention closing down lunchrooms and allowing no shared food.

Keeping up with COVID rules, recommendations