When will all MarketStar offices re-open for all global employees?
Utah-based offices are now open. The roll-in period for all hybrid and MarketStar office teams will begin on July 6, 2021. This is the date on which those teams are recommended to start transitioning into in their final working arrangements. All employees will be designated to be in an office, hybrid, or home-office arrangement by October 5, 2021. Our first targeted voluntary opening date for Dublin-based facilities is scheduled for August 2, 2021. This date is dependent upon Irish governmental guidelines. As we monitor the COVID situation in Utah, Dublin and in all other locales where MarketStar employees are located, we will update employees on updated dates and timelines for return to office date.
Why have we set these timelines for our new work model dates?
Our designated timelines are guided by the desire to preserve the health and wellness of all employees whenever possible, as well as giving our teams the best situation in which to thrive and produce for our clients. Our primary goal will always be to preserve employee health and wellness and to minimize the negative impacts of COVID-19 on our business.
What are the governing guidelines for the new work model plan?
• The health and safety of our employees, their families, and our communities are the priority.
• The decision to return to the office will be made in consultation with our clients and informed by local, state, and national governmental authorities.
• We will take a thoughtful, measured, and staged approach to return to offices based on facts and evidence from trusted medical and government agencies (CDC/WHO/ECDC/Local).
• We will evaluate and consider conditions in all jurisdictions in which we have employees and clients as we make decisions.
• We will minimize disruption to business and client operations as much as possible.
• The plan will be flexible enough to accelerate or pause where needed based on changing local or global conditions or client requirements and enable a return to WFH if conditions warrant (cyclical recurrence).
What if I still don’t have child-care arrangements by our new work model roll-in date?
We understand that child-care could be a continuing challenge due to child-care facility capacity issues during this time and want you to have the resources you need to take care of your family. If you are unable to find suitable child-care to return to the office at your scheduled time, please discuss with your manager and Talent Solutions. MarketStar's childcare reimbursement plan is in place for the 2021 benefits year to help off-set the cost of childcare. Please consult Talent Solutions.
What if my client is issuing a different new work model timeline?
MarketStar is communicating closely with our clients and is keeping them informed of our plans. If your client issues a directive that is different from that being given by MarketStar, MarketStar management will resolve the discrepancies and give you further direction.
Does MarketStar have a vaccine policy?
While COVID-19 poses a threat to the health and well-being of all individuals, vaccinations can significantly reduce that threat and help protect our workplace as well as our community. Consistent with the recommendations of federal and state health officials, MarketStar strongly urges all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, MarketStar will not require employees to be vaccinated prior to returning to the office.
What if members on my team are sick and I don't want to risk coming in to the office?
Anyone that does not feel well is encouraged to stay home until they are well. If an employee has a specific concern, they are encouraged to work with Talent Solutions to resolve their concern.
What happens if someone in the office is diagnosed with COVID after we start coming back to the office?
Talent Solutions will notify you if we are aware you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with or presumed to have COVID-19. In that case, you may be asked to quarantine, maintain social distancing, and self-monitor to ensure that you do not develop symptoms or become sick. We ask that you maintain your calendar with updated information on whom you have met, including where and when, in addition to when you were in the office.
What if I am high risk for COVID-19, have an immediate family member who is high risk, or care for someone who is? Will I still have to return to the office on our return to office (RTO) date?
If you live in a high-risk situation that requires additional protocols, please discuss with your manager and contact Talent Solutions.
Will our sick or PTO policy change to accommodate employees who may be low on time off but should stay home sick?
We have robust PTO and Catastrophic Leave Bank policies in place administered by Talent Solutions to help employees with extraordinary needs that may arise. Please check with your manager and Talent Solutions if this applies to you.
If the state safety levels change, will we have to go back to WFH until the threat passes? What would that threshold be?
MarketStar BCP will continue to monitor conditions along with government requirements and will take appropriate action depending on the evolving scenarios.
What if I typically use public transportation to commute to work and don’t feel safe doing so now?
Whatever your chosen mode of transport, please ensure you practice common sense and choose the best mode for your individual situation. For public transit, follow local governmental health and safety guidelines with regards to face masks on trains, buses, and other mass transit. Wash hands before reporting to your workspace and use hand sanitizer regularly.
Are we reinstating business travel?
Yes, domestic and international MarketStar-sponsored business travel via commercial air travel has been reinstated. Employees should still communicate all business-related and client approved travel requests to their manager.
• Travel must be booked through Trip Actions using authorized providers.
• Ride share services to, during, and from travel destinations are authorized for approved providers only (Uber, Lyft, Free-Now).
Only approved vendors will be authorized for company reimbursement.
What does New Work Model mean?
No later than October 5th, 2021, all U.S. employees will assume their team designated work location which for many is either permanently at home (or other remote location), a physical return to working in a MarketStar office, or a Hybrid model which combines working from a MarketStar office and working from home. For employees that return to an office, all facilities will be prepared with the protective measures including signage, PPE, and assigned team seating and/or hot desks.
Why three different models?
MarketStar has decided on three different working models to best meet the needs of the client, MarketStar, and the employee. Careful consideration has been given in making the decision as to where a client team can be most successful. It was clear that a one model fits all for all of MarketStar was not the right answer.
Three New Work Models:
Home OfficeAs a Home Office employee, what does my home working environment need to look like?
All security standards for the remote environment are the same for every employee. Please refer to the Home Office Physical Environment Checklist for the full list. The Distributed Workforce Playbook can be accessed here.
As a Home Office employee, what tools, furniture, and stipends do I receive?
Employees will begiven all computer equipment required to complete their assigned duties (i.e. laptop, headset, mouse, keyboard, etc.). Employees that are designated as full-time work from home will receive an internet and office incidentals stipend of $25 per month.
Is the $25 automatically paid or do I need to submit a request for reimbursement?
Full time WFH and Hybrid employees will automatically receive the $25 stipend each month. No submission of receipts is necessary.
If I have been designated as a Work from Home employee how can I retrieve my personal items from the office?
Marketstar office are open to all employees. If you have not yet collected your items, please come to the office and collect them. Or you can request to have Facilities box up your personal items and make arrangements to come and pick them up at your convenience.
As a Hybrid employee, what tools, furniture, and stipends do I receive?
Hybrid employees will receive an in-office technology setup and desk assignment to be shared with other hybrid employees as determined by their manager.
What is the Hybrid model expectation?
They will be assigned to a shared desk. As such, it is expected they will agree to a schedule of who will be at the desk on which days with their desk sharing partner. For their at home environment, employees will be required to meet the minimum environmental and security standards as defined in the final version of the Distributed Workforce Playbook.
Will the company provide two technology setups (one at home and one in the office) for a Hybrid Office model employee?
Hybrid employees will receive one technology setup in the office at the desk they will share on an alternating schedule with another employee.
As a Hybrid Office employee, what does my home working environment need to look like?
All security standards for the remote environment are the same for every employee. Please refer to the Home Office Physical Environment Checklist for the full list. The Distributed Workforce Playbook can be accessed here.
Will I be provided any money/stipend for furniture, internet service, etc.?
An employee designated as Hybrid Office will receive $25/month for internet and office incidentals reimbursement. Employees designated as MarketStar Office employees are not eligible for the stipend.
If my team is designated as hybrid, can I request to be in the office full time anyway?
Each individual team member will adopt the office type designated for their team. Any concerns can be raised to their manager who will work with Talent Solutions to resolve the concerns to the best of MarketStar's ability.
If I am Hybrid Office and expected in the office but my childcare provider falls through, can I work from home for that day until I find alternate care?
We understand that unforeseen situations may arise and encourage you to work with your manager to fully understand and resolve the issue.
As a MarketStar Office employee, what is provided to me?
The Work From Office employee is given an assigned desk with all necessary peripherals including a PC, monitor, keyboard, mouse, office supplies, etc. Each WFO employee also will receive PPE including masks and gloves (if desired), desk disinfectant, and hand sanitizer for their desk.
Will I be provided any money/stipend for furniture, internet service, etc.?
Employees designated as MarketStar Office employees are not eligible for the stipend.
If I don't like the location designation my team or I have been given, what are my options?
Please discuss your concerns with your manager, director, VP, or Talent Solutions. MarketStar will work to resolve any concerns to the best of its ability.
Will my current job performance have any impact on where I am assigned to work?
Individual performance levels do not correlate to office type. Each team has been designated as either facility-based, hybrid, or home office-based after a thorough analysis of operational, security, and client relations needs. Each individual team member will adopt the office type designated for their team during the “Recommended” and “Required” phases of our return to office. Neither high performing employees, nor those struggling to meet performance criteria, will receive preferential treatment in office type.
Team members who are concerned about their performance, regardless of office type, are encouraged to work with their leadership teams to create growth and development plans.
If we are launching a team that will be hybrid or WFH, can we have their initial training face to face in an office location?
Teams will be trained in the environment that gives them the best chance at future success. In planning for trainings, leaders will take into consideration client requirements, MarketStar requirements and employee needs when deciding where and how to train.
What if my client wants to come into the office to meet with us but I am not comfortable doing so?
Managers should work with clients and employees to ensure the needs of each are met in all situations.
If I come into the office for a day or for a few hours, where can I sit?
Hot desks will be provided throughout the offices. Up to 70 hot desks will be provided throughout the HQ office and will be labeled as a Hot Desk. SLC will also have up to 20 desks labeled as Hot Desks. Information with employee responsibilities for cleanup when they leave will also be posted at each hot desk along with appropriate cleaning supplies.
Can I reserve a hot desk in advance if I know I'm going to need it for sure?
We are working on the implementation of a Hot Desk reservation system. More information will be provided as the system becomes available.
If I am a full Home Office or Field employee, can I still have access to the offices?
Home Office and Field employees are always welcome in our offices. When visiting an office, the employee should check in at the Reception/Security Desk to receive their temporary badge and building access credentials. Home Office and Field employees will not be issued a permanent badge.
If I receive mail at the office but am now Home Office, will MarketStar forward my mail?
MarketStar Facilities will make mail pick up available to employees that receive mail or packages at the office. Mail will not be automatically forwarded.
Will snacks be available for purchase in the offices during the roll-in period?
Regular snack service in all buildings will resume as soon as practical after July 6th. As more people return to the office prior to October 5th, additional types of snacks will be made available for purchase in the break room snack vending areas.
What is the plan for our field teams to return to partner/reseller offices when they reopen?
We are reviewing individual site policies as they are available and will work with the field directors to make sure we have safe recommendations for our field teams when the partner offices open.
What facility will the Dublin team return to a when the time comes?
A designated office space will be made available to staff that voluntarily choose to return to the office on or after the targeted return date of August 2, 2021, Irish government regulations permitting. Additional details will be provided once we get closer to the return date and the Irish government has provided a solidified re-opening timeline. The team managers will approve all voluntary returns in Dublin.
When will Dublin employees know what their team designation is?
Due to government COVID restrictions and on-going negotiations for a new office in Dublin, the schedule for Dublin employees is still being determined. We will use a similar return to office process in Dublin once local conditions permit.
Who can I ask if I need more information?
After reviewing changes to the policy and our Return Safely site, if you have additional questions, please reach out to:
• Talent Solutions for employee or health related questions
• Your department head or manager for team designation or client related questions
• Help Desk for equipment or software productivity questions
What are my personal health and safety responsibilities in the office?
• Be respectful of others and their boundaries
• Always act responsibility to protect yourself and others
• Stick to the posted and published rules and follow all signage
• Stay a safe distance from each other (6ft / 2m) when possible
• Use available Personal Protective Equipment (masks) at your own discretion (optional). Respect the choices of others in regard to PPE.
• PLEASE dispose of all used masks and gloves in designated trash receptacles
• For employees utilizing hot desks or shared desks, minimize the items you bring back and forth from home, use cleaning supplies to sanitize personal equipment
• Regularly wash your hands
• Regularly sanitize hard surfaces
• Self-monitor symptoms and do not come to work if you feel ill or have COVID symptoms
What measures has MarketStar taken to reassure me of my safety if I return to the office?
• We will be encourage social distancing (at least 6ft / 2m) in and around the office.
• Personal Protective Equipment (masks) are available upon entry. Masks and gloves are available but not required.
• Regular sanitization of the office and availability of hand and hard surface sanitizer throughout the day
• Personal hand sanitizer and desk cleaner will be provided to all employees
• Use common sense when determining conference room occupancy
• Adhere to updated food guidelines (home-made, food trucks, catering, drinking fountains and coffee makers)
• We will continuously provide updated guidance from local health authorities
Why isn’t MarketStar requiring temperature checks for all employees entering facilities?
When an employee arrives at the office, they are self-certifying that they are symptom free. This allows the employee to maintain the responsibility for managing their health information and protect their confidentiality while still protecting their co-workers from exposure to someone with symptoms.
Are masks required when returning to our offices?
Masks will not be required when in the office however if you feel safer or more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so. We ask that all employees respect individual choice for a safe workplace.
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 prior to or after the proposed return to office dates?An employee who tests positive for COVID-10 should follow healthcare provider instructions and notify Talent Solutions.
If I do test positive, how will you share or use my medical information?
We will treat any medical information as a confidential medical record. We will only disclose medical information under very limited circumstances (e.g. healthcare or government officials as required by law). We will keep all names of persons infected confidential and maintained only by Talent Solutions. As always, we expect and appreciate your cooperation if medical information is sought and recorded.
What if a family member tests positive or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19?If an employee has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, the employee must stay at home, follow the instructions of an authorized healthcare provider, and notify Talent Solutions.
Employees who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the disease within the last three months and show no symptoms.
Will I be notified of a COVID-19 case in the office? What steps will be taken to protect me?
Talent Solutions will notify you if we are aware you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with or presumed to have COVID-19. We ask that you maintain your calendar with updated information on whom you have met, including where and when, in addition to when you were in the office.
What if a colleague informs me that they do not feel well, or I observe someone who exhibits symptoms?
• Contact your manager.
• Managers will send employees exhibiting symptoms home and contact Talent Solutions.
What if I return to the office and subsequently develop symptoms while at work?
• Please notify your manager and leave the facility immediately. Your manager will notify Talent Solutions immediately.
• It is your responsibility to stay home from work if you are sick. This is always good practice but, given the way COVID-19 is spread, it is critical that you do the right thing and stay home and recover if you are not feeling well.
What if evidence starts to show that COVID-19 is spreading within the workplace (i.e. an outbreak where multiple people are reporting infection)?
The area(s) used or visited by the ill persons will be closed for as long as needed, which may include shutting down the entire building, until proper sanitization has been completed. Once the area(s) has been appropriately disinfected, the BCP team will notify the employees when it can be opened for use. Employees without close contact with the person with confirmed or presumed positive of COVID-19 may return to work immediately after disinfection is completed. Employees who were in close contact with a person confirmed or presumed positive of COVID-19 may be asked to endure a self-isolation period away from the office. BCP decisions made in such matters will be consistent with local health department authorities and guidelines.
What is MarketStar's vaccination policy for employees?
Consistent with the recommendations of federal and state health officials, MarketStar encourages all employees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but does not require them. COVID-19 poses a threat to the health and well-being of all individuals and vaccinations can significantly reduce that threat and help protect our workplace as well as our community.
For U.S. employees, information about current eligibility and requirements in your location is available here. Select your state to link to your local health department for more information.
For Dublin employees, information about current eligibility and requirements in your area is available here.
Will the offices be cleaned any differently than before?
We have worked closely with our janitorial suppliers of both chemicals and services to ensure only products that are effective against COVID and other viruses/bacteria are used in the sanitization of our facilities.
We are implementing a more frequent cleaning schedule where break rooms and restrooms are cleaned mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and evening. In addition, all high touch areas will be disinfected four times per day.
Disinfectant products will also be provided in conference rooms for self-sanitization following meetings. Employees will also have their own can of sanitizing spray and are asked to sanitize their own work area including desks and chairs once or more per day.
How will packages and mail be handled and delivered?
Mail room personnel will be provided with gloves they can use if they choose when handling packages/deliveries (no personal deliveries should be sent to the office). Mail and packages will be delivered to the desks of employees that are in office or the employee can pick it up at the mailroom if they prefer. For remote employees, the shipping clerk will notify and arrange for curbside pickup following the established policy.
How will meetings with my team and interview candidates be different when we return to the office?
Video conference is encouraged when needed. Physical attendance in meetings rooms is limited by availability of conference rooms. Masks are not required in conference rooms. If you are uncomfortable participating in a meeting in a conference room, please plan to join via video conference or teleconference.
Interviews with prospective employees we be conducted in designated interview rooms in each facility. Candidates will have access limited to interview rooms and lobby areas.
Will visitors need to take any additional precautions when coming to a MarketStar facility?
All visitors to our offices—both personal and business—are welcome and must comply with all MarketStar safety and health guidelines. All employees should continue to use video conference or other methods of engagement/communications where needed to minimize business interruptions.
Will food and drink be allowed in MarketStar facilities – either self-provided or from commercial sources?
• Home-made food brought by employees must be stored in a container; usage of company-provided refrigerators and microwaves is accepting risk and sanitization before and after eating is recommended
• Approved food trucks are OK
• Commercially packages food and beverages are approved for meetings and visitor hospitality
• Commercially prepared, individually packaged catering / restaurant services are approved for meetings and visitor hospitality
• Commercially packaged beverages are allowed
• Soda machines will be available
• Water dispensers, coffee machines, water fountains will remain operational - signage placed for sanitization procedures
