To: All Macy's, Inc. colleagues
From: Danielle Kirgan, Chief Transformation & HR Officer
Mask Policy and Workplace Update
Hi everyone,
Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been proud of our agility and ability to flex. At a moment’s notice, we’re able to adjust our plans to ensure the health and safety of our colleagues and customers, while also keeping our business moving forward. Today, I know that the COVID-19 Delta variant is top of mind for many of us. We’re keeping a close eye on these developments and, based on what we know today, are updating our policies and plans.
First, effective tomorrow, there will be a mask mandate for all colleagues that are currently in high risk (orange) and substantial risk (red) level states as defined by the CDC. These categories have been aligned with our previously introduced state and county category matrix – which means all locations noted as “category three” require face masks for colleagues (click on Mask Mandate Guideline tab). This new mandate applies to all colleagues, whether you are in the office full-time, on the sales floor, in a distribution center or hoteling.
For our customers, our current policy remains unchanged. Unless required by jurisdictional mandate, customer face masks are recommended.
For our corporate colleagues, I know our welcome back to the office is also top-of-mind. We feel good about our plans to get our facilities ready for our hybrid workplace model. Yet with the uncertainty surrounding this new variant of the virus, we’re adapting our approach and marking the September 20 date as a “soft launch.”
A soft launch means that our offices will be fully open and ready for colleague use starting on September 20 on a volunteer basis. Colleagues can make an individual decision about their return and begin visiting the office or continue to work remote for the time being. Our intention is to create options to meet the varied needs, without losing momentum on the return to office plans. This also means that People Leaders in the coming weeks should reconsider any planned, in-person meetings and determine if colleagues are comfortable participating, and/or if a hybrid or remote meeting can be considered instead. We’ll update you on additional return to office guidance at a later date when we know more.
For all locations, we will continue our wellness check process and additional health and safety policies. We also strongly encourage any colleague who is eligible to be vaccinated to do so. More information is available on the CDC vaccination site.
I know that many of us have different levels of comfort with the constant flow of information about this virus. Jeff, the leadership team and I appreciate everyone’s willingness to pivot and do what is best for each other and the business. As always, we will remain flexible and continue to keep you updated as our plans evolve.
Danielle