David Lewis

Employers here in Connecticut can and should consider talent pools all over the U.S. vs. those just located a commutable distance from their offices.

The post-COVID world has made proximity to metro markets and even our towns, where most workplaces exist, a reduced or non-factor, as the working world shifts to norms that will see perhaps 50%+ of workers conduct their daily roles from home offices. Further, the opportunity for those in the state to become employed by firms all over the U.S. is now wide open, with companies recruiting their talent based on where the skilled workers are located, ignoring whether that talent is within a commutable distance to a headquarters or even satellite office. We now need to take full advantage of the changed landscape.

My business, just like so many others in Connecticut, has been operating with almost all of my employees working from home.  Some  would like the option of returning to our building, but only if the environment I can provide to them is perceived as safe, let alone actually safe. The reality is that without more complete guidance, as outlined in Reopen CT, from the Lamont Administration it is impossible to commit to my employees that they should feel safe when in my offices.

On May 9, 2020, a council of Connecticut business leaders, in concert with the Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration, released rules and guidance for the “safe” reopening of workplaces across the state. The processes, principles, and protocols issued by this task force reflect a failure to address some of the most basic needs that the state’s business community (including both employers and employees) desperately requires.