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: A Comprehensive Guide for HR and IT

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.

StateGuidelines
AlabamaNo statewide mask mandate
AlaskaNo statewide health mandate; businesses may choose to implement their policies
ArizonaNo statewide mask mandate
ArkansasNo statewide mask mandate
CaliforniaStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
ColoradoNo statewide mask mandate
ConnecticutNo statewide mask mandate
DelawareNo statewide mask mandate
FloridaNo statewide mask mandate
GeorgiaNo statewide mask mandate
HawaiiStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
IdahoNo statewide mask mandate
IllinoisStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
IndianaNo statewide mask mandate
IowaNo statewide mask mandate; businesses may choose to implement policies
KansasNo statewide mask mandate
KentuckyNo statewide mask mandate
LouisianaNo statewide mask mandate
MaineNo statewide mask mandate; businesses may choose to implement policies
MarylandStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
MassachusettsStatewide mask mandate in public transportation and healthcare settings
MichiganNo statewide mask mandate
MinnesotaNo statewide mask mandate
MississippiNo statewide mask mandate
MissouriNo statewide mask mandate; businesses may choose to implement policies
MontanaNo statewide mask mandate
NebraskaNo statewide mask mandate
NevadaNo statewide mask mandate
New HampshireNo statewide mask mandate
New JerseyStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
New MexicoStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
New YorkStatewide mask mandate in healthcare settings
North CarolinaNo statewide mask mandate
North DakotaNo statewide mask mandate
OhioNo statewide mask mandate
OklahomaNo statewide mask mandate
OregonStatewide mask mandate in healthcare settings
PennsylvaniaNo statewide mask mandate
Rhode IslandNo statewide mask mandate
South CarolinaNo statewide mask mandate
South DakotaNo statewide mask mandate
TennesseeNo statewide mask mandate
TexasNo statewide mask mandate
UtahNo statewide mask mandate
VermontStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
VirginiaStatewide indoor mask mandate in healthcare settings
WashingtonStatewide indoor mask mandate in public places
West VirginiaNo statewide mask mandate
WisconsinNo statewide mask mandate
WyomingNo 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:

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