What is an essential employee?

Essential employees work in industries such as health care, energy and emergency services. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, essential personnel are defined as “those who conduct a range of operations and services that are typically essential to continue critical infrastructure operations.”

Categories of essential employees

Across the country, millions of American employees have been deemed essential. They keep our society healthy and functional. Some states have developed their own critical infrastructure and essential personnel definitions, depending on their individual requirements. Certain states regard religious organizations as essential, while others have designated employees in the cannabis industry as essential.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has developed guidelines and definitions for recommended essential industries. Here are some industries considered critical, as well as some examples of jobs in these industries.

Health care/public health

The health care industry is vital to maintaining public health and safety, as well as aiding efforts against COVID-19. Essential employees in this industry must be available to respond to the health care needs of the public, which may include clinic and hospital staff, or workers at shelters and social services.

Examples of essential health care and public health employees include:

• Emergency medical service workers
• Urgent care workers
• Nurses, home care workers and other inpatient and outpatient support workers
• Workplace safety employees
• Pharmacy staff
• Vendors and suppliers of medical and health care operations
• Workers who perform cybersecurity functions at health care and public health facilities
• Employees who administer health plans, billing and health information
• Hospital and laboratory workers including administration, blood donors and food services
• Human services workers including social workers, nutritionists and case managers

Law enforcement, public safety and other emergency responders

Responders such as law enforcement, paramedics and firefighters are required to work during a state of emergency. These essential services ensure that individuals have access to emergency assistance at all times.

Examples of essential employees include:

• Police, fire and rescue, emergency medical services and search and rescue personnel
• Workers who provide information about and access to emergency services
• Workers who supply equipment and services to support first responders
• Workers who respond to abuse and neglect of individuals and who support child care and protective service programs

Education

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many education facilities closed or reduced their operating hours or capacities. Other facilities made changes to offer classes online as these services are deemed essential to the public.

Examples of essential employees in education include:

• Professors, teachers, teacher aides and special needs teachers
• Administrative staff
• Education support staff such as librarians, guidance counselors and IT workers
• Management and operational staff

Food and agriculture

The public must have access to food regardless of the level of emergency. Grocery stores, farms and some restaurants are required to stay open and their employees must report to work. Many states have imposed closures or restrictions on restaurants, meaning they may operate at reduced capacities or offer alternate services.

Examples of essential food and agriculture employees include:

• Retail and customer support staff who facilitate the sale of food, beverages and pet supplies
• Restaurant workers
• Food manufacturing employees
• Farmers, ranch workers and farm support and supplier staff
• Employees responsible for food safety and quality

Energy

Employees of electrical, petroleum and other energy service businesses are considered essential. The energy industry is vital to ensure the public and critical industries have power at all times.

Essential employees in this sector include:

• Workers involved in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, transportation, operations, engineering and logistics across the energy sector
• Employees of companies that provide supplies and services to the energy sector
• Workers and security staff involved in nuclear refueling operations

Waste and wastewater

This industry is vital to provide clean and safe water to the public and essential industries. Examples of water and wastewater employees include:

• Operational staff at water authorities, community water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, collection facilities and those involved in distribution
• Workers responsible for digital systems supporting water system operations
• Laboratory staff performing water sampling and analysis

Transportation and logistics

Transportation services ensure that individuals are able to travel when necessary. Transportation is also critical to the distribution of services and goods.

Example of essential employees include:

• Mass transit employees such as bus drivers and train operators
• Truck drivers
• Warehouse and distribution center staff
• Postal and shipping company employees
• Workers who support transportation infrastructure
• Commercial transportation service workers

Public works and infrastructure support services

Public facilities and infrastructure are necessary to support the function of society. As such, workers in these industries are generally considered essential.

These employees include:

• Those supporting construction and maintenance of infrastructure
• Workers involved in the operation and maintenance of public works facilities
• Workers such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and technicians who maintain basic safety and operations in these facilities

Communications and information technology

Communications and information technology are especially important during a state of emergency, keeping the public informed and supporting communication between an industry and its workers.

Examples of essential employees include:

• Technicians, operators and call center staff
• Central office and data center staff
• Customer service and support staff
• IT managers
• Database administrators

Other community- and government-based operations and essential functions

The definition of critical community and government workers largely depends on the state where a business is located.

Critical manufacturing

Manufacturing includes a wide range of business categories. If a state deems certain products and materials as critical, then many of its employees will likewise be defined as essential. This may include medical supplies, food or certain materials.

Hazardous materials

Employees in this category are responsible for supporting hazardous material response and cleanup. These may include medical, pharmaceutical and energy materials.

Financial services

The financial industry requires employees to administer and maintain services to clients. Many of these services have implemented remote operations but are still considered essential.

Chemical

Essential employees of the chemical industry may work at manufacturing plants, laboratories or distribution facilities. This industry largely supports cleaning and medical solutions that are necessary to maintain public health.

Defense industrial base

These employees support national security commitments and include space workers, mechanical and software engineers, intelligence workers and various supporting personnel. This includes federal employees as well as private contractors.

Commercial facilities

Essential employees in commercial facilities provide necessary goods such as building materials, appliances and various types of equipment. They may work in distribution centers, warehouses and call centers.

Residential/shelter facilities, housing and real estate and related services

This industry ensures the public has access to food, shelter and social services. Essential employees of this industry may be responsible for supporting animal shelters, property management and the provisioning of goods and necessary services.

Hygiene products and services

Essential workers in this industry produce hygiene and sanitary products. They also provide cleaning and disinfection services for essential facilities to ensure public health and safety.