Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic a few months ago, many companies and employees are struggling to implement and practice health protection practices to keep everyone safe. However, some employees feel they are being mistreated on the job due to COVID-19, believing they don’t have adequate health protection, or they are being denied employment health benefits or compensation while away from the workplace. If you feel that your rights are being violated due to COVID-19, here are some things to consider.
Talk to Your Employer
Sometimes issues can be clarified, and conflicts can be addressed by discussing concerns with the employer to see what can be done. The business owner or manager may not be able to help in any tangible way, but schedule adjustments or some level of compensation might be available for the asking or if special conditions apply. Find out what your company offers or may be willing to provide for employees at this time.
Communicate with Coworkers
If your boss is unavailable or uncooperative, talk to your coworkers to see how they are handling similar concerns. Even if they don’t have the same health care issues or family considerations as you, they might know someone who does, or they may be able to offer helpful suggestions. Your concerns will also be documented this way, especially if you contact them in a medium that can be saved for future reference if needed, such as email, text messages, or social media posts.
Contact State Health Officials
Find out what type of public health protections your state public health administrators have instituted. There may be policies with which your employer and employees must comply. You also could be eligible for scheduling adjustments or sick pay, even if you are not sick with COVID-19. Check the website or make phone calls to learn more about your city and state policies, rules, and responsibilities.
Consult an Attorney
It also might be helpful to contact compensation lawyers for information about your rights and responsibilities as an employee during the COVID-19 crisis. Depending on your occupation sector, you could be entitled to benefits or compensation depending on how COVID-19 has impacted or may impact your income. A work-related compensation attorney can explain what you should do to protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
The current pandemic is taking a toll on all of us in different ways. If you feel mistreated at your job due to the COVID-19 impact, arm yourself with knowledge and legal information if needed.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
