We've all seen it: A parent on a Zoom call, their child virtually learning nearby. Parents and kids stepped up in 2020 as schools and workplaces went on when they went remote.

Now, companies big and small are putting plans in place to have their employees return to work with vaccines more widely available and schools returning to in-person learning.

Helping bolster the confidence of workers as they return to work will be key. A recent survey from Arizona State University with the support from the Rockefeller Foundation found a 58% increase in employee mental health concerns during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic.

Access to COVID-19 testing can help businesses reassure employees as they return to work — even as vaccines roll-out.

How do we know? We've done it ourselves.

Abbott has thousands of dedicated employees across the country. Many are essential workers responsible for keeping lines open for products like our COVID-19 tests. Others are scientists and engineers designing new cardiac or neuromodulation technologies.

So, we developed a simple and robust workplace testing program to help identify infectious people and keep our workplaces healthy. Alongside other health safety protocols — including masking, social distancing, cleaning and handwashing — we've offered rapid tests to our employees at 40 sites since fall 2020.

Throughout this time, we experienced a positivity rate less than 1 percent. And among those employees who have tested positive, 7 of 10 did not have any symptoms. Our process helps us prevent employees from unknowingly slipping through other screenings protocols.