Ogletree Deakins Launches Return to Work Guide for Employers

ATLANTA – April 22, 2020 – As cities and states contemplate lifting portions of stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders related to COVID-19, many employers are beginning to make preparations for re-starting normal work operations. In response, Ogletree Deakins has launched a Return to Work Guide that offers more than 100 pages of guidance and resources to help employers develop responsible and sound back-to-work policies and plans. The comprehensive guide provides recommendations on return to work issues, such as benefits, paid time off, and leave requirements; reinstatement procedures; workplace safety protocols; health screening procedures; medical records and employee privacy protection; absenteeism; immigration issues; drug testing and background checks; and diversity and inclusion measures. The Return to Work Guide also includes numerous template policies, checklists, and flowcharts to help employers ensure safety for their employees and minimize risk as they bring back their workforces.

“In preparation for the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are making plans now to resume operations and return their workforces to the workplace when it is safe to do so,” said Matt Keen, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “These employers have pressing questions on a range of issues, including how to implement appropriate safety measures, establish necessary protocols, and develop policies to address paid leave, FMLA, and other potential concerns from employees. Our detailed Return to Work Guide provides employers the resources they need to help ensure a safe, effective, and smooth transition back into the workplace.”

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Ogletree Deakins launched a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center that delivers the information and resources employers need to minimize risk and remain informed about the many workplace issues related to the public health emergency.

About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for nine consecutive years. In 2020, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Labor Law – Management and Litigation – ERISA categories. Ogletree Deakins has more than 900 attorneys located in 53 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. www.ogletree.com