Many businesses are gaining momentum as the lockdown eases post Covid-19 crisis. Reopening the post-Covid 19 workplaces is certainly going to come with its own safety measures and considerations; something that businesses are yet to adapt to. Some businesses had to downsize. Others were completely shut down when the crisis struck. Organizations are however starting to see a ‘new normal’ taking shape and working towards embracing change.
Safety Measures and Considerations
Most companies have learned to adjust to the current situation after the Covid-19 crisis. However, other businesses are yet to come to terms with the new normal standards that are needed to get back to work. All organizations will have to keep their focus on how to monitor development for how employees can return to work. Recognizing new standards to uphold once the offices reopen and employee safety standards remain essential. The biggest question to any business owner right now is, ‘Are my employees safe?’
Learning to embrace the new normal is the first step to progress towards reopening the post-Covid 19 workplaces. How to meet the new safety requirements will determine whether a business is safe or not. The transition from remote working to the office setup is both a daunting and emotion-filled experience. Organizations are only learning how to deal with the situation effectively. Here are some tips:
1. Make social/physical distancing arrangements
Encourage employees to stay at home if they are feeling sick. This way, it gets easier to work around the space at work. Businesses will ensure that even before reopening the post-Covid 19 workplaces, there is an efficient plan set up. They have to determine how employees move around, eat, and relate in the workplace. Establishing flexible work shifts is also encouraged to reduce the number of employees at work during specific times. Organizations must rearrange break rooms, reposition employees to maintain acceptable distance, and encourage safety throughout the day.
2. Develop a safe workplace playbook/handout
Businesses are more assertive right now than ever before, as economies reopen after the Covid-19 crisis. Every employee is essentially aware of both their health as well as that of his/her colleague. To avoid the risk of misunderstanding, most organizations are now coming up with workplace safety playbooks to make sure that all employees keep in check. As workplaces reopen, safety is most important to minimize the risk of new or repeated infections.
3. Incorporate health screening centers and protective materials
According to health and safety standards, all businesses will ensure that the workplaces are renovated, and health screening points made available. Meeting spaces should be more ventilated, work areas constantly cleaned, and food places regularly checked to minimize infections. Ensure the workplaces display signs reminding people to socially keep distance, wash hands, and not touch their faces. It is also essential to involve the management and other tenants in multi-tenant sites or buildings; to ensure consistency across areas such as receptions and staircases.
If all businesses can comply with set out safety measures, it will be easier for employees to return to work after reopening the post-Covid 19 workplaces. After all, health and safety matters before everything else.
