The State by State Return to the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide for HR and IT
“In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide an overview of the current state of return-to-workplace plans across the country, as well as specific state-by-state guidelines and resources for HR and IT managers. ”
The State by State Return to the Workplace
As states across the U.S. begin to reopen their economies and businesses prepare to bring employees back to the workplace, it's essential to understand the state-by-state guidelines and best practices. The return to the workplace is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders, including HR, IT, and facilities management. This guide provides an overview of the current landscape as well as specific guidance for each state.
Current State of Return-to-Workplace Plans
According to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 69% of organizations are planning to return to the workplace by the end of 2022. The majority of organizations are implementing a hybrid work model that combines in-office and remote work options.
The specific timeline and approach for the return to the workplace vary by state, depending on factors such as local health conditions and government regulations. Some states, such as California, have issued comprehensive guidelines for businesses to follow. Other states have adopted a more flexible approach, leaving it up to individual businesses to decide how to implement their return-to-workplace plans.
State-by-State Guidelines
The following table provides an overview of the current state-by-state guidelines for the return to the workplace.
| State | Guidelines | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Alabama | No statewide mask mandate | | Alaska | No statewide health mandate; businesses may choose to implement their policies | | Arizona | No statewide mask mandate | | Arkansas | No statewide mask mandate | | California | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | Colorado | No statewide mask mandate | | Connecticut | No statewide mask mandate | | Delaware | No statewide mask mandate | | Florida | No statewide mask mandate | | Georgia | No statewide mask mandate | | Hawaii | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | Idaho | No statewide mask mandate | | Illinois | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | Indiana | No statewide mask mandate | | Iowa | No statewide mask mandate; businesses may choose to implement policies | | Kansas | No statewide mask mandate | | Kentucky | No statewide mask mandate | | Louisiana | No statewide mask mandate | | Maine | No statewide mask mandate; businesses may choose to implement policies | | Maryland | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | Massachusetts | Statewide mask mandate in public transportation and healthcare settings | | Michigan | No statewide mask mandate | | Minnesota | No statewide mask mandate | | Mississippi | No statewide mask mandate | | Missouri | No statewide mask mandate; businesses may choose to implement policies | | Montana | No statewide mask mandate | | Nebraska | No statewide mask mandate | | Nevada | No statewide mask mandate | | New Hampshire | No statewide mask mandate | | New Jersey | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | New Mexico | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | New York | Statewide mask mandate in healthcare settings | | North Carolina | No statewide mask mandate | | North Dakota | No statewide mask mandate | | Ohio | No statewide mask mandate | | Oklahoma | No statewide mask mandate | | Oregon | Statewide mask mandate in healthcare settings | | Pennsylvania | No statewide mask mandate | | Rhode Island | No statewide mask mandate | | South Carolina | No statewide mask mandate | | South Dakota | No statewide mask mandate | | Tennessee | No statewide mask mandate | | Texas | No statewide mask mandate | | Utah | No statewide mask mandate | | Vermont | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | Virginia | Statewide indoor mask mandate in healthcare settings | | Washington | Statewide indoor mask mandate in public places | | West Virginia | No statewide mask mandate | | Wisconsin | No statewide mask mandate | | Wyoming | No statewide mask mandate |
Resources for HR and IT Managers
In addition to state-by-state guidelines, HR and IT managers should refer to the following resources for guidance on the return to the workplace:
