Helping people prepare for, find, and keep good jobs is what Goodwill is about.

COVID-19 Return to Work: Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are we opening? 

GIWM will continue to protect its employees, customers, clients, volunteers, and visitors enacting the guidelines below that are in agreement with federal, state, local regulations and best practices. We will continue to monitor all government updates, and follow CDC guidelines for safe practices. “Changing Lives through the Power of Work,” continues to be the focus of our organization and your safety is our top priority. 

What is GIWM doing to make sure I’m safe? 

GIWM has put several new policies in place to protect employees, customers, clients, volunteers, and visitors. The measures that GIWM is taking to stop the spread of communicable diseases such as COVID-19 are: 

OPERATING POLICIES 

• GIWM has modified its policy to require all personnel and customers to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as a preventative action. When we open, we hope to have a small supply of masks for customers and/or clients who enter without a mask, but no one will be allowed entry into any Goodwill facility without one. 
• GIWM will provide all facilities with occupancy numbers to support social distancing guidelines. A designated employee is to count the number of customers to support occupancy standards. Currently GIWM is using the standard of 5 shoppers per 1000 square feet of sales space. 
• GIWM has closed all fitting rooms and water fountains to limit exposure. Restrooms will continue to be open. 
• GIWM will monitor employee health through a Daily Wellness Check as they arrive for their scheduled work hours. 

SOCIAL DISTANCING & AWARENESS 

• Floor markers that support social distancing guidelines will be placed in our stores and in our career center. Directional arrows and applicable aisles marked with social distancing guidelines at regular intervals. Floor markers to be explained on the overhead audio as well as on signage displayed throughout the store. 
• In-building communication via print, audible announcements, and employee interaction. 

CLEANING PROCEDURES 

• All surfaces throughout the store will be disinfected with cleaner, paying special attention to high traffic areas or frequent touchpoints. 
• Employees will be responsible for performing hourly cleaning of surfaces and equipment in work stations, including offices or common areas. 
• Employees will be expected to clean break areas before and after meals. 
• Shopping carts will be disinfected with a disinfectant after each use. 
  Plexiglass guards will be installed at each cash register and are to be cleaned twice a day using a microfiber cloth. 
• All employees conducting cleaning duties will wear the appropriate PPE of gloves and mask. Gloves will be changed after each bathroom break, rest period or lunch. Mask will be cleaned or changed as necessary. 
• All employees performing cleaning duties must adhere to the 6 ft. social distance rules. 
• Management will be responsible for enforcing all cleaning standards in their store. Any employee found not following expectations will be subject to progressive disciplinary measures. 

What is expected of me as an employee? 

Employee Social Distancing: Employees will be required to adhere to social distancing expectations while working at Goodwill. For the protection of everyone, GIWM will have a zero tolerance approach to this expectation. Six feet is the minimum. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employees are expected to wear all required PPE including when interacting with co-workers, customers, clients, and volunteers. This includes break rooms, community rooms, and all other areas of the facility. These protocols will be enforced. 

Daily Health Check Reminder: All employees are expected to answer three questions in regards to COVID-19 exposure. The questionnaire will be administered by a member of management daily before entering the facility. 

Daily Health Check questions are as follows: 

1. Do you feel ill? 
2. Have you had a fever without the use of medication in the last 24 hours? 
3. Have you had any direct contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19? 

If an employee answers yes to any of these questions, they will be sent home. Employees may use ETO or request unpaid time off. 

COVID-19 Safety Policy and Procedures Training: All employees will complete an acknowledgement of additional training and safety expectations prior to starting any work. 

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms or if I feel sick? 

Employees should stay at home if they have any COVID-19 related symptoms (specifically shortness of breath, cough or fever). Employees may use ETO or request unpaid time off. Any concerned employee should also visit the CDC’s website for more information on what to do if you are sick. 

What should I do if I, or someone I live with, has tested positive for COVID-19? 

All employees are required to communicate immediately to their direct supervisor and/or HR if they have tested positive for COVID-19. If an employee is personally affected by COVID-19 (medical confirmation must be provided), both full-time and part-time employees who work an average of 16 hours or more per week may be granted up to a maximum of 5 days of leave at 100% pay. Before any employee on pandemic leave may return to work, they must be fever and/or symptom free for 72 hours. 

If an employee is caring for someone who has been affected by COVID-19 (medical confirmation must be provided), cannot work from home, both full and part time employees who work an average of 16 hours or more per week may be granted up to a maximum of 5 days of leave at 60% pay. 

As a company we will not disclose the medical status of any of our employees with the rest of the workforce. We will require maintaining the respect and anonymity of employees through this. 

What can I do to help decrease fear & promote inclusivity related to COVID-19? 

There is a lot of misinformation circulating about COVID-19 on social media that is not based on the facts. Stay informed and obtain information from trusted sources like your city’s Health Department, the CDC, and the WHO. 

Through our own language and conduct, we must demonstrate that health and inclusivity are compatible values. GIWM does not tolerate discrimination or harassment, including discrimination or harassment due to health reasons. As an organization, we strive to ensure that all staff are able to work in an environment that is healthy, safe, and free from bias or discrimination. 

If you have concerns that any type of discrimination is taking place at your work site, please talk to your supervisor or Human Resources.