Let's Safely Get Back to Work
In upcoming weeks or months reopen our workplaces safely and responsibly?"
North America slowly but surely returns to its regular functioning. Department stores, cafes and other non-essential businesses are allowed to reopen. Numerous offices welcome back its inhabitants. While many of us are eager to restore a familiar work routine, there are quite a few adjustments to be made to keep everyone safe.
Covid-19 keeps transforming the world we live in. Returning to the office today means deploying all possible protective tools and procedures, so the employees could safely work with minimal risk of contagion. Your workplace will look differently from now on. Companies are encouraged to provide as many visual reminders of social distancing and hygiene maintenance as possible. With that in mind global real estate company Cushman & Wakefield developed recovery readiness guide on how to reopen a business, and here are the 6 recommendations (Recovery readiness: a how-to guide for reopening your workplace, 2020):
1. Prepare The Building For Reopening:
It must be clean, mechanically in orders with functioning maintenance systems
2. Prepare The Workforce:
Employees must know who and when returns to work, who can work remotely and understand the safety guidelines
3. Prepare Adequate
In/Out the building policies for employees, customers and visitors
4. Create a Social Distancing Plan for workers
5. Provide a Touchless Environment and Constant Cleaning
6. Create Communication Channels with Employees:
Anxiety and stress are real; everybody has to adapt. Think about how to mitigate those and promote responsible and adequate behavior.
While it is employers' responsibility to prepare a safe environment for workers to return, we all must remember that it's for our own sake we must adhere to the new rules. And here are a few tips on how to do it best from CDC (Prepare your small business and employees for the effects of Covid-19, 2020):
- Stay at home if you are experiencing even the minor symptoms
- Practice social distancing in the office: workstations, seats, furniture must be rearranged to maintain social distancing (6 feet or 2 meters)
- Do not use your colleague’s stuff like computer, chair or stapler
- Following hygiene etiquette is essential: today we all know, that there is a "proper" way to sneeze, cough and wash hands
- Avoid any crowds and gatherings as much as possible
- Consider the need for travel for work and explore alternatives
- And if you feel that you are at risk - communicate your concerns to your boss: maybe you could work at home, or if it is possible to install additional protective tools in place. You should feel safe at work.
With so many restrictions and new rules, it may not be easy to adapt at once, so, be patient with yourself, your colleagues and customers. For some time, this is how "the new normal" will look like. Many of us enjoyed working from home in our pyjamas, however coming back to office and meeting co-workers will cheer you up and boost your productivity.