As much of the U.S. prepares for a “potentially historic” winter storm, HR departments may need to consider a variety of adjustments for workers in affected areas.
Safety is paramount during weather emergencies, sources previously told HR Dive. As one expert recommended during an earlier hurricane season, employers can start by ensuring everyone is accounted for and has access to any resources they may need.
After that comes questions about who can work and who can’t — and the types of pay, leave or job adjustments to which employees may be entitled. Some workers may be due reporting-time and on-call pay, for example; concerns about dangerous conditions can give rise to additional job protections; and a variety of circumstances can require individualized answers to those questions, such as when an employer closes but an employee is already out on Family and Medical Leave Act leave.
The stories below have been pulled from HR Dive’s archives and offer insight on how employers can best prepare for and support employees through weather-related emergencies.