What does it take for employers to safely reopen their workplace and bring employees back? Daily health assessments? Routine testing? Staggered scheduling? A full office redesign? Rigorous cleaning protocols? Social distancing requirements? All of the above?

The elements of a safe return-to-work strategy are going to depend on each employer's unique situation. Some industries will need to embrace stricter measures, as will regions currently considered Covid-19 "hot spots." One key factor that should be a part of any safety protocol, however, is contact tracing.

"While contact tracing is the responsibility of public health officials in the U.S., they have been stretched too thin to manage the demand in many areas," writes David Zieg, a partner and clinical services leader at Mercer. "Employers seeking ways to improve worksite safety should consider a contact tracing program—because we know it works."

See also:

• Preparing for the Covid-Era Workplace
• 4 Steps to Implement Covid Screening Procedures
• 3 Steps to Prepare for Reopening—and for Covid-19's Second Wave
• Reopening Offices Is About More Than Just Physical Health

Employers could be forgiven for not embracing contact tracing with their full effort—they have a lot on their minds these days, and the information (sometimes conflicting) and guidance around such programs can be overwhelming. Add to that the number of apps and existing service providers offering a program to track the virus on employers' behalf.