How the Omicron Variant May Affect Returning to Work
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
Just when we thought things might get back to a hint of “normal” with the workplace, a new COVID variant pops up on the scene and throws everyone for a loop.
Omicron.
It is still early enough that not much is known about this variant. Scientists aren’t sure if the symptoms of Omicron will be mostly the same as other variants. They also aren’t sure whether this variant is more dangerous and life-threatening than others. It is estimated that we will have more information within the next few weeks about this new strain.
However, if there’s one thing that this pandemic has taught us, it’s how to find silver linings.
So, the silver lining of this new Omicron variant is that we are much better equipped with knowledge and tools to handle it than we were with the first COVID outbreak. No one expected COVID to become a global pandemic that rocked our world for two years (and still going) back when it initially emerged.
However, now we have guidelines and policies in place that help keep people safe, despite new variants. Many of the health and safety guidelines that exist in workplaces today are thanks to the Delta variant. Though, of course, we all wish it didn’t take a global pandemic to get us here, we are seeing the positives in creating a safe workplace for employees.
So what might returning to work in the times of Omicron look like? Here are some of our thoughts.
1. Continued Flexibility
Our entire world was rocked by this global pandemic and as a result, things look a lot different in many ways.
One of those ways that the world has changed, especially in the United States, is what the work environment looks like. Many people spent over a year working remotely, which was something many companies had opted against until COVID gave them no other option. Companies adapted and adjusted, and were able to survive these massive changes.
Prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant, it was thought that things would open back up and many employees would return to full-time work in the office. Some companies decided months ago that their employees could remain fully remote, forever, and are allowing employees the freedom to never have to go into an office again.
However, not all companies are able to provide that option. But, with the Omicron variant, we will likely see flexibility with working from home as an ongoing option until more is learned about the severity of this particular variant.
2. Stricter Vaccine Requirements
Over the summer a federal vaccine mandate was created that requires employees of private-sector companies with 100+ employees to be fully vaccinated by January 4 or agree to test on a weekly basis for COVID-19. These vaccine mandates are likely to include booster shots that will likely end up redefining what “fully vaccinated” means.
We may continue to see vaccine requirements such as this expand to smaller companies as well.
3. Regular COVID Testing for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated
One of the best ways to ensure the safety and health of your employees is to have the company offer regular COVID testing. Many companies are doing this weekly so all employees feel safe coming into the workplace.
We are predicting that you will see more and more companies provide on-site testing for their employees, regardless of vaccination status.
Sameday Health is here to make COVID testing in the office an effortless endeavor for you. We offer the most trusted and convenient COVID-19 testing solution for your team and business so you and your employees have peace of mind when coming into work.
Our Sameday Health nurses come to your office to do the testing on-site and test results are sent to your employees as soon as they are available. In addition, the results can be reviewed by you or your designated supervisor/account manager in your virtual Sameday portal so you can ensure all of your employees are getting tested.
