Getting Back to Work

Breaking Down Barriers to Employment
Workers in yellow safety vests confer

We're here to make the transition easier.

Get tips and information about New York State resources that will help break down barriers to employment.
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Getting Back to Work
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Your DOL Is Here
To Help You Get Back to Work

As New York State moves forward, high-demand workers are essential for businesses to reopen and the economy to get back on track. The DOL and partner agencies around the State understand that getting back to work is reliant on several factors that may make getting, and keeping, a job a challenge following the COVID-19 pandemic. To help break down the barriers to employment faced by workers around the country, employers and businesses alike are encouraged to refer to the following information and resources that can help address caregiving responsibilities, public transportation and commute needs, and workplace health and safety concerns.

Breaking Down Barriers to Employment

Taking Care of Each Other
Child Care Resources

New York State understand the importance of accessible and affordable child care. The COVID pandemic only exacerbated the problems and inequities that already existed in our society, and as New York State continues to rebuild and recover, child care will play a critical role in getting New Yorkers back to work and reopening our economy. Utilize these resources to help find quality care near you.

Go to Child Care Resources
Caregiver Resources

There are 4.1 million caregivers in New York State – many of whom are in the workforce and are struggling to balance caregiving responsibilities and work. The pandemic has further exposed the weight of taking on both employment and caregiving, as New Yorkers who had never been caretakers were thrust into the position of caring for their parents, grandparents, spouses, children, or friends. New York State has resources that can help.

Go to Caregiver Resources
Transportation Information
Help With Your Commute
Arriving to work is half the job. Find out best practices and helpful tips for getting there safely and on time.

NY Project Hope
Coping with Reopening

Returning to work after an extended absence during the COVID-19 pandemic can be stressful. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
Get Support Now
Two people in an office consulting on business.
Health & Safety
In the Workplace

New York State has enacted various measures to protect workers as New York moves forward and reopens. Effective May 19, New York State has adopted CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people for most businesses and public settings. To keep workers safe and on the job, employers are required to follow the state’s safe reopening regulations.

Coming Soon...

The first-in-the-nation NY HERO Act directs New York State agencies to create clear, enforceable health and safety standards that private employers must follow to keep their employees, and by extension their communities, safe. The DOL and other State agencies are currently developing these health and safety standards. Please check back soon for updated guidance.

For Workers

For Employers

NY Forward Safety Plan Template

Each business or entity, including those that have been designated as essential under Empire State Development's Essential Business Guidance, must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. A business may fill out this template to fulfill the requirement, or may develop its own Safety Plan.

View & Download the Template