My Coworker Refuses to Wear a Mask.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Mask-wearing is a hotly debated topic even at the White House, with many critics condemning the fact that Pres. Donald Trump removed his mask in public even after his COVID-19 diagnosis, while others say mask-wearing policies are becoming too stringent.

"Right now, what happened at the White House is a microcosm of what's happening in workplaces across the country," says Rob Wilson, president of Employco USA, Westmont, III. "Masks have become heavily politicized and policed and, as COVID-19 cases continue to spike, these conversations about mask-wearing and proper mask etiquette are happening more and more. These conversations can become very difficult in the workplace where HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] policies and employees' rights might feel at odds with mask regulations.

'This is brand-new territory for employers and HR departments, and supervisors are really struggling with how to appropriately navigate mask-wearing conversations with employees. People can have everything from medical to religious excuses for not wanting to wear a mask, but at what point do these exemptions become unsustainable when it comes to the safety of your staff and customers?"

Wilson maintains employers can save themselves future headaches by taking a strong, clear stance about mask usage that allows for little wiggle room. "You can require mask usage from your employees and customers, and post signs to that effect.

"Having a meeting about COVID-19 procedures in which you discuss masks and perhaps hand out PPE to your staff is another good idea, but if an employee tells you they can't wear a mask because they have a medical condition, you need to tread lightly."

Wilson indicates you should ask employees who cannot wear masks for personal reasons to provide a note from their doctor excusing them from wearing a face covering. "You can't ask for the exact reason or you will be violating HIPAA, but if an employee wants to opt-out...