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In-N-Out Burger’s New Masking Policy
Jul 17, 2023
In-N-Out Burger has a new store policy prohibiting employees from wearing masks unless they have an approved doctor’s note.
The policy, confirmed in a call this morning, was introduced to “emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles and other facial features.” It continues by stating that this will help "balance two things that In-N-Out is known for – exceptional customer service and unmatched standards for health, safety, and quality.”
Those employees who refuse will be disciplined “up to and including termination of employment.”
Risking their employees’ health in such a fashion may be “unmatched,” but not in the way company officials believe. And if their only concern is seeing their employees’ smiles, there are masks with transparent windows over the mouth (e.g., ClearMask).
Per this memo to employees, first made public by Dr. Lucky Tran on Twitter, the new policy begins August 14 in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
Tran later provided a link to the memo that was distributed to In-N-Out employees via MailChimp, which also links to other notifications from the company.
The policy does not apply in California or Oregon, where employers are not allowed to ban masking by employees. However, the state-specific policy for In-N-Out requires its employees to “wear a company-provided N95 mask. N95 masks provide the highest level of protection for COVID-19 and other viruses and are recommended by OSHA for other respiratory protection.” Different masks may be allowed with a valid medical note. This suggests that In-N-Out recognizes the value of N95, though it wants to forbid employees from masking.
Without disclosing a medical diagnosis, In-N-Out’s new policy mandates,“The medical note should clearly state the reason for the exemption and the estimated duration.” How is this to be done without violating the employee’s privacy?
Requiring a doctor’s note is also a burden in terms of time and money. Many people don’t have a primary care physician or one who is readily available. And requiring proof of a disability might be considered a violation of the Americans with Disability Act, depending on how one interprets masking as a request for accommodation.
There's more at the Forbes Link
Jul 17, 2023
In-N-Out Burger has a new store policy prohibiting employees from wearing masks unless they have an approved doctor’s note.
The policy, confirmed in a call this morning, was introduced to “emphasize the importance of customer service and the ability to show our Associates’ smiles and other facial features.” It continues by stating that this will help "balance two things that In-N-Out is known for – exceptional customer service and unmatched standards for health, safety, and quality.”
Those employees who refuse will be disciplined “up to and including termination of employment.”
Risking their employees’ health in such a fashion may be “unmatched,” but not in the way company officials believe. And if their only concern is seeing their employees’ smiles, there are masks with transparent windows over the mouth (e.g., ClearMask).
Per this memo to employees, first made public by Dr. Lucky Tran on Twitter, the new policy begins August 14 in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
Tran later provided a link to the memo that was distributed to In-N-Out employees via MailChimp, which also links to other notifications from the company.
The policy does not apply in California or Oregon, where employers are not allowed to ban masking by employees. However, the state-specific policy for In-N-Out requires its employees to “wear a company-provided N95 mask. N95 masks provide the highest level of protection for COVID-19 and other viruses and are recommended by OSHA for other respiratory protection.” Different masks may be allowed with a valid medical note. This suggests that In-N-Out recognizes the value of N95, though it wants to forbid employees from masking.
Without disclosing a medical diagnosis, In-N-Out’s new policy mandates,“The medical note should clearly state the reason for the exemption and the estimated duration.” How is this to be done without violating the employee’s privacy?
Requiring a doctor’s note is also a burden in terms of time and money. Many people don’t have a primary care physician or one who is readily available. And requiring proof of a disability might be considered a violation of the Americans with Disability Act, depending on how one interprets masking as a request for accommodation.
There's more at the Forbes Link
Administrator
I would expect that 'Burger Joint' to change their mind on that policy real soon. 
Moderator