Publications

Webinar – Reopening During COVID-19: Questions Employers Must Consider before Bringing Employees Back to Work

Recording available here. Use password BACKTOWORK.

On Friday, May 8, Lewis Rice hosted a webinar, "Reopening During COVID-19: Questions Employers Must Consider before Bringing Employees Back to Work." Corporate Department member William M. Bolster served as moderator, with labor & employment attorneys Neal F. Perryman, Brian P. Pezza, and Sarah E. Mullen serving as panelists.

Employers across the country, both those that have been forced to close by state or local stay-at-home orders and those “essential” employers who have transitioned many employees to remote work, are eager to bring their employees back. Yet, COVID-19 workplace concerns are not going to go away overnight simply because a state or local government relaxes restrictions. Employers are once again left to balance economic and operational imperatives against potential concerns and risks. Although every employer will have to grapple with myriad issues unique to its particular circumstances, there are many practical questions that must be addressed by all employers, across industries and across the country.

This webinar addresses the following threshold questions all employers should consider. The panelists will provide suggestions for a framework to work through these matters and the secondary issues that will inevitably arise.

  • Can you return your personnel to work in accordance with the law?
  • Should you bring employees back to work now?
  • If you can and think you should return your employees to work, what restrictions still affect your operations and apply in your workplace?
  • What should your workforce look like when you return?
  • What will be the “Standard of Care” for your employees upon return?

Registrants of this webinar may view the recording by clicking under "Resources" below and using the password emailed to them following the event.

Panelists

Neal F. Perryman focuses his law practice on labor and employment law. Neal defends employers and management in personnel-related disputes before state and federal courts, arbitration panels, and administrative agencies. He regularly counsels clients on compliance with federal and state employment and labor-related issues, including union contract negotiations, and on best management and governance practices.

Brian P. Pezza partners with executives and with HR professionals to reach pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to difficult workplace situations. Often, these issues involve accommodations for employees with disabilities and medical leave questions. In addition to his counseling and litigation practice, Brian also regularly assists clients with their workplace safety and health programs.

Sarah E. Mullen is a labor and employment counselor and litigator. She works with her clients to take steps to avoid litigation by drafting and modifying employee policies, implementing effective hiring, retention and employee evaluation practices, and evaluating workforce reduction programs for compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements and other statutory obligations.

Moderator

The moderator of this webinar, William M. Bolster, is a member in the Corporate Department of Lewis Rice with a number of clients facing the issues presented in this discussion. Bill focuses his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate, and real estate law. He counsels clients with respect to corporate formation and governance, financing, securities issues, mergers and acquisitions, and general business matters.

Resources