March 19, 2020
State Takes Extra Steps to Protect Employees, Keep Operations Running Smoothly
Plans include using telework widely, instilling safe distances in offices
SACRAMENTO, CA – California’s Department of Human Resources (CalHR) has issued directives to departments on how to manage the state workforce to keep employees safe while continuing to provide Californians critical support and services.
The state is focused on long-term planning to ensure critical state operations continue and to protect the health of state employees over the entire length of this crisis. CalHR issued a memo to state departments with clear directives and, separately, a letter to all state employees informing them of the plans and providing other information and resources.
Departments should be mindful of recommendations made by state and local health officials and develop plans accordingly, the memo said. Departments should make sure offices have safe social distances among employees who continue to work there and allow many to work from home, using telework for as many employees as possible, with priority given to employees who are 65 and older or have chronic health conditions.
Other employees could be shifted to different duties or if not, as a last resort, provided with Administrative Time Off (ATO).
“As the COVID-19 emergency continues to evolve, we need to shift from the immediate response guidance that has been provided previously to longer-term planning for how to keep our workforce safe and healthy so our work can continue,” the memo said.
“Effective immediately departments should establish a staff management plan that allows for effective social distancing for those in the office, takes into consideration stay-at-home directives from state and local public health departments, and protects the health of employees over the entire length of this crisis.”
Departments are to develop plans to rotate staff who work in the office and in turn stay home teleworking. Departments must also submit daily absenteeism reports.
In a letter to state employees, CalHR Director Eraina Ortega acknowledged that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has created a big challenge for workers and their families. She thanked state employees for their dedication and their commitment to limiting the spread of COVID-19, and she advised them to access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if they need greater support and assistance.
“We are so proud of your commitment to continue to balance your job duties with your family responsibilities during this difficult time,” the letter said. “We are here to support you as the needs of the state change in the coming weeks and months.”
CalHR has been issuing guidance to departments since the outbreak first became a state concern in January.
The state continues to monitor the latest developments and will make adjustments and issue further guidance, as changing conditions merit.
Read the
memo to departments and the
letter to state workers on
CalHR’s COVID-19 information page for state employees.
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