When COVID first hit, no one knew how to act. We were thrust into a new world where masks reigned supreme and social distancing was the new norm. But now, two years later, we have adapted to the new conditions and are slowly getting back to our normal rhythms. Businesses are starting to open their doors once again, but in these new conditions, owners have tremendous pressure to ensure the safety of their workers. So with that in mind, here are ten things you can do to create a safe working environment.
1. Remote Work Is Your Friend
Having as few people as possible in the office makes it easier to implement all the health and safety protocols. So if your employees are already used to working remotely, encourage them to continue working from home. It’s safer for everyone, and they won’t have to waste time adjusting back to working from an office.
2. Think About a Spread out Schedule
If, however, some employees need to come back to the office, consider having an alternating schedule. For example, some departments will work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the rest on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. That way, you will reduce the number of staff that are in the building at the same time, contributing to higher safety.
3. Follow the Health and Safety Protocols in Conference Rooms
Avoid using the conference room for meetings and use video conferencing as much as you can. But if that is not possible, be sure to follow all the health and safety regulations. You can put some distance between the people in the room and avoid sitting across from each other. Additionally, limit the number of staff members that can be present in the conference room at the same time.
4. Have Lots of Sanitiser
Make sure you have a lot of sanitiser that your employees can use while at the office. But be careful to choose an effective one. A good hand sanitiser should be at least 60% alcohol, so you shouldn’t buy any with less. What’s more, have your workspace cleaned after every working day, primarily if many employees work in the same space.
5. Keep Your Hands Clean
Keeping your hands clean is basically an obligation nowadays, and you can do certain things to promote hand hygiene. Put instruction manuals in your bathrooms that show proper techniques for washing hands. Furthermore, consider putting a sign with instructions on proper hand hygiene.
6. Set a Mask Policy
It’s advisable to set a mask policy as wearing them will protect you and your employees while in the office. You can buy packages of disposable custom face masks and put them at the entrance.
7. Revise Break Room Routines
You will need to set a new policy for break rooms, recreation areas, and canteens, too. You can either close them for the time being or limit the number of people allowed in each room. And when it comes to meals, you can encourage your workers to bring their lunches from home.
8. Practice Social Distancing in the Office Area
Try to reorganise your office area so that your employees are not close to each other. Put the desks further apart, set up some barriers, build cubicles if possible, or rearrange the area as you see fit.
9. Keep Your Distance in Lifts
Lifts are usually very tight spaces, so try and avoid using them. However, if that’s the only way for your employees to get to their workstations, you can do a couple of things to make them safer. Namely, establish a mask-wearing rule and only allow a certain number of passengers at once.
10. Communicate with Your Employees
The whole world is going through a tough time with COVID. So talk with your employees about all the steps you took to make the working space safer. Let them know how to go about things in the office, and they will surely appreciate your effort.
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