Businesses consider potential public health consequences of returning to offices

Business leaders across the country are grappling with potential public health ramifications as they decide whether to reopen their office buildings this fall or have their employees telecommute.

“We cannot ignore the increasing research showing this virus likes to spread indoors, particularly amid large gatherings of adults, and that it can spread from asymptomatic carriers,” writes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts President and CEO Andrew Dreyfus in a new oped explaining why the company will keep its buildings closed until 2021. “We also are aware of the looming threat of flu season and the pressure it will place on our health system amid a potential ‘second spike’ in viral infections.”

Blue Cross, the state’s largest not-for-profit health insurer, has transitioned almost entirely to remote work since the coronavirus pandemic forced a statewide shutdown of many businesses beginning in March. The measures the state took, including testing, contact tracing, mask mandates and a slow, phased reopening, have helped constrain the infection rate this summer.

Businesses like Blue Cross, with a workforce that can telecommute, may be able to help keep that infection rate low, Dreyfus writes.

“More employees at home means fewer on public transportation or other public spaces that may be vulnerable to contagion,” he writes, noting the choice is not available or appropriate for every business. “If we can help support a healthy business environment by keeping our employees at home, we are willing to make the sacrifice.”

Read the full oped here.

^{PHOTO OF ANDREW DREYFUS BY FAITH NINIVAGGI}