Experts Say Employers Should Address Workplace Pandemic Fatigue
By Lonce Lamonte - March 10, 2021
Experts advise employers to stay steady and onboard at this time as states move into the easing of restrictions coming from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out.
The message to employers navigating shifting regulations and bracing for new pandemic safety protocols is to stay with it and keep attention.
President Joe Biden very shortly after taking office in January 2021 issued an executive order giving OSHA until March 15th to create an emergency temporary COVID-19 standard. Safety experts say a federal mandate is imminent with inspections and fines to follow.
Widespread vaccinations and states’ easing of pandemic mandates have sent the message that the country can resume normal activities soon.
There is discussion about “pandemic fatigue” and the idea that this pandemic fatigue is part of the reaction to lift mask mandates and reopen businesses across the nation. This fatigue is quite real, especially in the workplace. Also personal stress combines with work stress and then people fall behind and get distracted from adherence to pandemic protocols.
The vaccine rollout has created optimism which can cause people to let down their guard around the basics such as physical distancing, masks, disinfection, testing and contact tracing.
There’s a lot of fatigue around the safety protocols. A relaxing of masking and social distancing could cause a backlash of the virus spread. It’s important still now for employers to stay on top of safety and not get complacent.
lonce@adjustercom.com
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