As featured in #WorkforceWednesday:  This week, we discuss updates on COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, what employers should know about monkeypox, and EEO-1 pay data reporting.

CDC Updates COVID-19 Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that asymptomatic individuals who suspect COVID-19 exposure wear a mask for 10 days rather than quarantine. Many states follow CDC guidance, but some have their own guidelines, so employers are checking requirements in their locations and updating policies to remain in compliance.

Employers Monitor Monkeypox Outbreak

While COVID-19 requirements seem to be easing, employers are closely watching the most recent public health emergency: monkeypox. The CDC has released information for health care professionals, but there has been no federal monkeypox guidance for the general workplace as of now. Employers have a general duty to provide a safe work environment under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and they should keep monitoring the CDC for any future guidance.

EEO-1 Pay Data Reporting to Return

A recent announcement by Commissioner Keith Sonderling of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that pay data reporting “is coming” is the latest indication that EEO-1 Component 2 data will be required in the future. This means employers would once again have to report compensation data categorized by race, sex, ethnicity, and more.