COVID-19: Human Resources Information 

Navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic with insights on employment law, patient and staff safety, finances and more. Click here for the ADA Resource Page.

If I close my office, do I have to pay my employees? 
Hourly (non-exempt) employees you do not have to pay — if they don’t work, then they don’t get paid. However, you may consider paying them as a gesture of goodwill. See financial section below for information to address the cash flow situation in your office.

For exempt (salaried) employees, you will have to pay them if they are willing and able to come to work, but you closed the office. You may direct exempt staff to take vacation or other time off (i.e. sick or personal) during a disaster, whether for a full or partial day’s absence, provided the employees receive in payment an amount equal to their guaranteed salary. 

For more information, or questions on specific circumstances, please always defer to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.

Legal alerts and updates regarding COVID-19 and employers are available from reputable law firms, such as Fisher & Phillips LLP.

For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ response and guidance, call 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV.

*This information and any hyperlinks are provided as a benefit of your ISDS membership and should in no way be considered as legal or financial consulting advice.  Please always seek the advice of an attorney, financial advisor, accountant, or other trained professional, as applicable.