A 5 S approach to handle COVID 19

As I pen these words, the nationwide lock-down has entered its twentieth day. COVID 19 continues to rear its ugly head. The very concept of social distancing that was meant to physically separate us seems to have brought us closer to each other virtually. We have connected with our families, friends and long-lost acquaintances. We are genuinely concerned about their health and well-being. The earth has become greener and the environment cleaner. The brief spell of imprisonment of humans has given a breath of freedom to all other forms of flora and fauna. 

It has been fun while it lasted but the first signs of boredom seem to be surfacing. All of us are eagerly awaiting the end of the lock-down period when we can give vent to the mad rush of adrenaline by getting into- what we fashionably call- the Business As Usual mode. The political leadership and State Administrators are busy counter-weighing the impacts of the lock-down on human health on one hand and the health of the economy on the other. Sooner or later the balance will tilt in favor of the latter and financial prudence will gain precedence over human safety.

As leaders responsible for the health and safety of our associates in large campuses, it would be incumbent upon us to strike the right balance and ensure that we do not compromise on the health and safety of the vast multitude that are bound to rush back to the workplaces in the coming weeks. Most of us are not new to pandemics. We have seen them in various hues in the past too. Even in the not too distant past, we have outlived swine flu and bird flu. We have SOPs and pandemic preparedness plans. The FM fraternity and Security bodies are busy preparing plans for the post lock-down scenario.

I am hereby encapsulating my plans in, what I am calling, a 5 S approach to handling COVID 19. Let me make it clear that this has nothing to do with the well-established Japanese method of workplace organization. The 5 S that I am listing here consist of the following measures:

Screening

Segregating

Social distancing

Sanitizing

Sensitizing

Let us look at each of these measures in a post lock-down scenario.

Screening. There would be need to ensure that screening is carried out at campus entry points. Most of the campuses have already employed measures like use of infrared thermometers to screen all employees, visitors and vendors at entry gates. A few other types of walk-in screening devices are also available in the market today that promise swift, easy and reliable screening of persons. We need to evaluate these measures and have our campuses ready to screen large bodies of personnel without creating choke points at our campus gates.

Segregating. This is the next logical step. What do we do with people who display symptoms of illness? How do we separate the potentially infected from the healthy? Do our HR policies give us the discretionary powers to deny entry to such persons? Do we have the powers to ask them to get themselves checked up or take measures to self-quarantine themselves for an additional period of two weeks? Do the company policies permit such people to work from home for extended periods? It is time leaders ponder over these questions and firm up their approach.

Social Distancing. This, perhaps, has become the most commonly used word today and needs no explanation. However, facility heads are likely to increasingly grapple with this problem in the coming weeks. Creative use of floor markings, queue managers and other innovative measures can help us separate the vast hordes that are eager to stampede our campuses after the monotonous imprisonment in their homes. We need to be adequately prepared for this onslaught.

Sanitizing. One man’s adversity is another man’s opportunity. This is the time for housekeeping agencies and manufacturers of various hygiene and chemicals to swamp the market with an array of offerings. The facility managers are spoiled for choices and bewildered by the claims and counterclaims of these agencies. It is time to ensure that right choices are made and balanced measures taken to sanitize all common touchpoints in our campuses. We also need to be conversant with the authorized government bodies to be contacted when a positive case is encountered. We need to assume an overarching sense of responsibility when it comes to keeping not only our campus but also the general environment hygienic and virus free.

Sensitizing. The key to handling the pandemic is awareness. We need to sensitize all stakeholders and inculcate a sense of self discipline. The awareness campaigns need to be well planned and executed. We need to explore multiple media to ensure that the message reaches the audience. Creative posters and signage can help cascade the message. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the message percolates to all segments including the contractors. The use of local language as a medium can also help ensure better penetration.

The virus is in no tearing hurry to leave us. While leaving it to the medical fraternity and scientists to come out with a cure, we, as leaders and managers, can help lessen the load on our fragile healthcare system by practicing the measures being suggested.

Stay Healthy! Stay Safe!