Less than 30% of employers plan to ditch masks altogether, a new survey shows.
A new survey suggests that Irish employers are divided on the topic of mask wearing in the workplace.
On Tuesday (22 February), the Government confirmed it had agreed to follow NPHET’s advice that the mandatory requirement to wear a mask be removed.
The change will come into effect next Monday, though the public health advice is that face coverings continue to be worn on public transport and in healthcare settings.
In response to NPHET’s advice, human resource consulting firm Peninsula Ireland surveyed business owners on what their next steps will be and how they plan to manage the wearing of masks within their organisation.
Most (38%) said that they are leaving it up to staff to decide whether they will continue to wear a mask in the workplace.
A further 32.7% stated they will continue to enforce mask wearing rules within the workplace while 28.5% plan to ditch the old rules altogether.
“The last two years have been challenging for employers and updated advice surrounding the further lifting of restrictions will be welcomed by many,” Chief Operating Officer of Peninsula Ireland said.
“However, the risk of Covid-19 has not completely gone away, and it is important that employers understand and address any fears that their staff may have.
“It is advisable that employers talk to their employees about these concerns and how the change in restrictions may affect them – especially if they are clinically vulnerable or have friends and family that fit this category.
“According to the Transitional Work Safely Protocol, the use of face coverings is still considered best practice.
“Employers have a duty of care to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees and this core obligation is unlikely to change, despite any change in Government guidance.”
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