WORKPLACE BLOG

Here are top tips for employers to ease your employees back to the workplace Post-COVID-19 and give them confidence in their work environment. It is important to be open and transparent with workers on the return-to-work process.

1. Develop people-focused policies and procedures

   

Establish flexible work strategies such as:

• Phase employees’ return to work in stages, taking into account risk and exposure levels
• Remote work options, such as WFH or to minimize in-person meetings and travel
• Alternate shifts of A/B team schedules

Allocate spaces and tools to discourage shared usage

• Assign seats and storage for individuals
• Dedicate meeting spaces and neighborhoods for teams
• Provide personal phones and equipment

2. Create spaces that allow people to be “alone together”

Consider spacious layouts or stagger users to maintain 6-foot distances.

Create enclosures or delineate space. Screens, panels, drapery and dividers can all be utilized as architectural solutions.

3. Assure employee safety and well-being

Maintain a healthy physical environment and promote hygienic measures

• Disinfect before workers return and create daily cleaning and disinfecting procedures for shared and individual spaces.
• Post visible reminders to wash hands
• Supply hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
• Put in furniture with antimicrobial properties and/or bleach-cleanable surfaces.

Add sensors and no-touch technology for hands-free operation

• Doors, lighting, elevators, security systems
• Audio/visual equipment
• Document imaging equipment
• Height-adjustable tables, task lights

Support employee health and wellness

• Screen the health of all employees.
• Have a plan to deal with sick employees, and encourage behaviors for hygiene and infection control.
• Encourage employees to stay home when not feeling well
• Sponsor programs for physical and mental well-being
• Follow proper contact tracing steps if workers get sick to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Resource: WebMD