Demand Work From Home

To Dwayne and Robert,

As noted in Tuesday’s All-Staff meeting, COVID rates are exploding across the state of Ohio, and we have seen more infections of Equitas Health staff in the past three weeks than we have throughout the entire pandemic.

While our staff are vaccinated and most are boosted, putting at less risk of hospitalization and death, many of our employees share homes and provide care to those most vulnerable to COVID: children too young to be vaccinated, elders, and immune-compromised loved ones.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our clients and patients, but believe we can do so with less risk to each other and those we love by allowing those employees who can work from home to do so. We have demonstrated, from March 2020 through today, that many of our staff not only can work from home, we excel by doing so. It is impossible to provide the level of care our clients need if we do not feel safe at work. Drastically reducing the number of individuals who are in the offices will protect our clients and patients and support our mission of Care for All.

Unfortunately, significant confusion exists over when and whether staff can work from home. Decisions are made based on individual supervisors and departments on a case by case basis, and a consistent message is needed to allow staff to feel safe and supported in completing our work.

Thus, for our safety, that of our families and communities, and that of our clients, we ask that the executive staff of Equitas Health issue a clear, immediate directive supporting all employees in working off site as appropriate for the duration of the current surge, while still meeting reasonable client and patient needs.

Thank you for your attention and support of Equitas Health staff and clients,

Your Equitas Health team