How to Handle Employee Requests for Accommodation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — William Tamayo - a podcast by Brett Sutton, ESQ.

William Tamayo is the District Director of the EEOC’s San Francisco District Office and this is his second guest appearance on the show. William is back to answer some questions and concerns employers have. He shares how to act fairly and with accordance to law during the pandemic when an employee tests positive for COVID-19, how to keep the employee’s diagnosis private, how to accommodate employees with mental health issues during this time, and so much more. 

 

Highlights:

• Employee tests positive for COVID-19. Now what? 
• You have to treat the employee’s medical records confidentiality, but then how do you let their co-workers know they could have been exposed?
• How can you respectfully work within the ADA’s regulations on whether someone has symptoms but still hasn’t been tested for it yet? 
• Before you embark on any of these steps, consult with your lawyer and double check what the CDC has said.
• The employee is concerned for their partner, who is immune suppressed/undergoing cancer treatments, what can the employer do? 
• Employee has a note from a doctor saying they have mild PTSD from the stress of the pandemic. Can the employee work from home? 
• Never dismiss a request for accommodation right away. Explore it and ask necessary follow up questions.
• Employees are not showing up to work, which is impacting work. How can employers better navigate this?
• If you have questions about equal employment, reach out to the appropriate consul in your state. 

 

Resources:

Suttonhague.com

Calnevalaw.com

Eeoc.gov

William on LinkedIn

Further episodes of CalNeva Law Podcast

Further podcasts by Brett Sutton, ESQ.

Website of Brett Sutton, ESQ.