COVID-19 Workplace Mitigation Strategies and Employee Leave Policies Implemented during the Height of the Pandemic, United States, Fall 2020 and 2021

Abstract

COVID-19 workplace mitigation strategies implemented within US businesses have been effective at preventing disease and protecting workers, but the extent of their use is not well understood. We examined reported COVID-19 workplace mitigation strategies by business size, geographic region, and industry using internet panel survey data from US adult respondents working full- or part-time outside the home (fall 2020, N = 1168) andfull- or part-time, inside or outside the home (fall 2021, N = 1778). We used chi-square tests to assess the differences in the strategies used (e.g., masking and COVID-19 screening) and ANOVA tests to examine the group differences on a mitigation strategies summative score. Fewer COVID-19 mitigation strategies were reported by respondents in fall 2021 (compared to fall 2020) across businesses of different sizes and regions. The participants in microbusinesses (1–10 employees) reported significantly (p < 0.05) lower mitigation scores than all other business sizes, and the respondents in these businesses were significantly less likely (p < 0.05) to have paid leave than those in enterprises with >10 employees. The healthcare and education sectors had the highest reported mean score of COVID-19 workplace mitigation strategies. Small and essential businesses are critical to the US economy. Insight is needed on their use of mitigation strategies to protect workers during the current and future pandemics.

Distribution of COVID‐19 mitigation measures by industry and work arrangement—US blood donors, May 2021–December 2021

“…3 As the pandemic evolved, workplaces modified their mitigation strategies. 4 Promotion of vaccines became a focus, as some employers mandated COVID-19 vaccinations while others took proactive measures to encourage and facilitate access to COVID-19 vaccines for their employees. [5][6][7] Recognizing the importance of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via airborne particles and droplets, some industries also prioritized ventilation improvements [8][9][10] to enhance indoor air quality and reduce the concentration of viral particles.…”

“…Early in the pandemic, control measures included workplace closures, remote work (allowing employees to perform their duties from their homes) when possible, physical distancing, hygiene practices, and use of face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators 3 . As the pandemic evolved, workplaces modified their mitigation strategies 4 . Promotion of vaccines became a focus, as some employers mandated COVID‐19 vaccinations while others took proactive measures to encourage and facilitate access to COVID‐19 vaccines for their employees 5–7 .…”