Coronavirus Update 5-5-2020: Ohio encouraging employers to report AWOL employees to ODJFS

Last week I asked how employers could encourage employees to return to work when unemployment benefits pay them more than their jobs. One suggestion I offered was to hit employees with the stick of unemployment-benefit termination.

Employees who refuse return-to-work offers might be disqualified from collecting further unemployment benefits (unless their refusal is because of coronavirus), and you can advise employees that refuse a recall that you will be asking the state to terminate their benefits. 

Late last week, the State of Ohio provided a clear reminder to employers of the validity of this threat.

Coronavirus Update 5-4-2020: Handling employee mental-health issues in a world and workplace changed by coronavirus

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is as good a time as any to bring up an issue that has been weighing heavily on my mind — the looming mental health crisis that our employees are facing and will continue to face in a world and workplace changed by coronavirus.

Coronavirus has altered all of our lives, and all employees are dealing with stress, anxiety, and isolation.

Coronavirus Update 5-1-2020: Some Friday links to share

Just a couple of links to wrap up another looooong week in the world of COVID-19.

First, the video from Tuesday’s Zoominar.

Coronavirus Update 4-30-2020: The last and absolutely final (I hope) word on masks in Ohio businesses

Next Saturday (May 9) will mark the (lucky) 13th anniversary of the Ohio Employer Law Blog (NKA the Coronavirus Law Blog). Never did I ever think that I’d have reason to write five different posts in the span of 48 hours on the issue of whether employees are, or are not, required to wear masks or other facial coverings in the workplace. Blogging in the times of coronavirus, however, is certainly unique.

Yesterday, Lt. Governor John Husted provided what I believe (and hope) is the final word on the rules surrounding masks and other face coverings for businesses.

Coronavirus Update 4-29-2020 number 2: Ohio flips (again) on mandatory masks for employees

Adding to the profound confusion on the mask requirements for reopening businesses, Ohio appears to have changed its mind for the third time in the past 48 hours on whether masks will be required for employees.

It now appears that masks are required for employees and recommended for visitors and customers.

Coronavirus Update 4-29-2020: Governor’s DeWine’s explanation for why masks are only “recommended” falls woefully short

I tuned in yesterday to Governor DeWine’s 2 pm briefing to learn why Ohio had changed its stance on face masks and coverings from “mandatory” to “recommended best practice.” His explanation falls way short.

The Governor offered two explanations, both based on feedback he received from constituents in the hours after his original pronouncement.

1. Masks are offensive to some, who don’t like the government telling them what to do.
2. Masks can be problematic for people with disabilities.

Coronavirus Update 4-28-2020 number 2: Ohio’s reopening plan 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 masks for all employees

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

 – Ferris Bueller

This morning, I wrote an entire post about the wise policy choice the State of Ohio made in mandating masks or facial covering for everyone entering a business moving forward. Then I conducted a webinar for over 200 people during which I spoke at length about this face-covering requirement.

What happened next? Ohio changed its mind.