Question:
One of our employees has chicken pox. Is it okay to tell our other employees about this condition?
Answer from Monica, SPHR, SHRM-CP:
I recommend informing employees that they may have been exposed to chicken pox, but I would not reveal the name of the employee who has the condition. I would also limit the announcement to those employees who have a need to know, i.e., those who may have come into contact with the infected employee or those you know to be immunocompromised.
You do not have to allow this employee to come to work while infected. However, if they say they are no longer contagious and would like to return, you can require the employee to provide a doctor’s note to that effect. Once you have the note, you can decide how best to handle the situation based on what the doctor recommends.
Monica, SPHR, SHRM-CP
Monica has held roles as an HR Generalist and Payroll and Benefits manager at a large ski resort, providing HR guidance to more than 500 employees. She also has HR experience in the healthcare field and the non-profit world. Monica holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Linfield College.
