How do we cope up with going back to work after lock down?

For most of us going back to work would be just as tough as it was working from home during lockdown. Exiting from the lockdown comes with mixed emotions, some rejoice going back to work while some have found comfort in the ‘new normal’, which is working from home. Things will never really be normal, even without the lockdown.We’ll still have to be cautious, maybe take more precautions than before and ensure that others around us do the same. Until the government finds out a vaccine, things are still scary for all especially when you have to return back to something close to a ‘normal’ life. Without a vaccine on the immediate horizon, organizations will have to reopen the doors of the office while COVID-19 is still in the picture. In a new report from research firm Forrester, analysts call this the management phase of the crisis, lasting well into 2021, which will consist of re-organizing how we work, travel, congregate, eat, move and connect. For business leaders, crucially, the new rules will have to be designed in a way that protects workers' health.

Here is something that we can all keep in mind before stepping out of your present’ comfort zone’.

1. Avoid mass gatherings 

That doesn’t just apply to parties, weddings and temples but also your cafeteria and conferences. And while we’re sure there will be further recommendations on how many people should be allowed to assemble in an area, just generally avoiding being in a group of more than four people might be a good idea until the rate of coronavirus infection slows down in the country.Internal as well as client meetings should still be conducted via video conferencing as much as possible. 

 2. Double down on hygiene practices 

Staying at home during the lockdown, you may have relaxed your hygiene practices a little but they’ll have to be back at the highest level once you go back to work. Being mindful about what you touch is extremely important. Wash your hands every time you end up touching a doorknob or press the lift buttons with your bare hands. Don’t hug or shake hands with anyone, no one will think you’re being rude. Come up with your own preferred greeting - like an elbow bump or a 'namaste'. Wipe down your desk, mouse, keyboard and screen daily with a paper towel and alcohol rub before you start work. Take a break from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds so you don’t feel the need to rub your eyes. Avoid using shared cutlery - if you really need to use office cutlery, try to wash it yourself.

3. Distancing at work

 Ensure that there is a space of six feet between all seats. The lockdown may be over but that does not mean that there is no need for social/physical distancing anymore. You spend 8-9 hours at work and must maintain a proper distance from everyone during this time, whether they seem fine or not. There are no exceptions to this rule. Avoid crowded lifts and take the staircase instead. If you need to touch the railing for support, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you reach the office - even before you set your bag down at the desk.

 4. A protection and safety kit 

Prepare your kit before you step out - it must include a face cover, hand sanitizer, hand soap, gloves, toilet seat sanitizer and tissue papers. Wear the face cover as much as possible - not for filtering but it’ll keep you from touching your face too often. Use a hand sanitizer whenever you can’t wash your hands. Carry hand soap in a small bottle if your workplace has a soap bar. Use gloves for whenever you need to be dealing with shared items - like the coffee machine or the office phone. Use a toilet seat sanitizer before and after you use the shared toilet. You can even use it on the tap and the flush. Carry tissue papers to sneeze or cough into, to dry your hands and to turn off the sink tap. 

5. Go digital

If your company hadn’t already, propose going digital now. Save paper as well as the risk of coming in contact with papers that other people may have handled. Scan and send important documents instead. Keep a digital signature ready for a situation that may require it.

6. Commuting to work 

Wear a face cover and gloves if you travel in public transport. If possible, use a digital wallet to make all payments instead of dealing cash. Wash your hands as soon as you reach home or office. If possible, you could request your manager to also allow you to move your shift timings enough so you can travel to work and back during non-peak hours. 

No matter how much hygiene you maintain, still, there will be nagging questions you can’t help but think about. Is there a virus on the coffee machine? How do I drink while wearing the mask? Is my colleague smiling or just pretending behind that mask?

This year and the next years to come will definitely see a change in how humans communicate and interact and how society keeps up with it.