Epic is adjusting its return-to-work requirements for staff by pushing back its required on-campus return date and consulting experts and organizations such as Cleveland Clinic to review its plans, according to an Aug. 9 WMTV report.
The shift comes after the Verona, Wis.-based EHR giant received criticism from hundreds of employees, who were told by email this month they would be required to come back for in-person work in waves starting this week. Epic's Chief Administrative Officer Sverre Roang told WMTV that Epic received a letter on Aug. 6 from Public Health Madison and Dane County that prompted Epic to adjust its return-to-work plan.
"Throughout our planning process, we’ve been in frequent communication with PHMDC to ensure our plans are in compliance with their orders," Mr. Raong said in the statement. "We responded to the letter on August 8th asking for clarity on their regulations and approval of our plan moving forward."
Epic's nearly 10,000 employees were informed of the timeframe adjustments on Aug. 8, which allow staff who feel that their personal circumstances, such as childcare or health conditions, prevent them from returning to campus are no longer required to do so Aug. 10 as planned, according to the report.
Epic also recently began working with the Cleveland Clinic and former FDA commissioner Stephen Ostroff, MD, to review its return-to-work plan.
"It is our hope that by working together we can be a model for other businesses around the country on how to safely bring staff back to work," Mr. Raong said.
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