Strategies for Returning to Work after COVID-19

As the global health situation is evolving, employees begin to return to their once-familiar offices, though some have to remain work at home. No matter how they work, it’s important to create a safe and healthy work environment. Therefore, as a company, we should think about what factors need to be taken into consideration when people are back into the workplace. It includes supporting employees working remotely, establishing early tactics, and replanning the workspace to help them return to work.

Support a safe workplace

Safety and health are the biggest focus when returning to work after the pandemic. According to the local situation, organizations can take various actions.

Firstly, it is crucial to hire a cleaning and sanitizing company to deep clean and sanitize the workplace, since the office hasn’t been used for quite a while. Their professional cleaning service will help kill most germs and viruses so that employees can return to work at ease.

Using laser thermometers to capture people temperatures to determine if who gets a fever, and ask him to stay at home when he is sick. Although a fever doesn’t mean that person has got the COVID-19, it can be a quick way to test large amounts of people and prevent infection.

Besides, providing some disinfectant and clean supplies, such as wash-free hand sanitizers, 75% Alcohol disinfectant sprays, hand soaps, face masks, disinfectant wipes and tissues. Whilst, encourage employees to keep good hygiene. For example, ask them to wash hands frequently and thoroughly, cover coughs or sneezes, and wear a mask when it’s crowded.

Rearrange the workspace

According to the CDC, people should at least keep a distance of 6 feet (about 2 arm’s length) away from each other. And the WHO suggests a 3 feet distance, while some scientists advocate a 10 feet distance when someone sneezes or coughs quite hard. Due to social distancing, the workplace may not as roomy as it used to be. Therefore, employers will need to review the use and layout of space, when people return to work.

For organizations, strategies should be taken into action, for example, planning flexible work schedules, increasing physical distance between individuals, implementing staggered seating configurations, and ensuring ventilation. In the open offices or shared spaces, companies can use privacy panels or freestanding whiteboards to help separate their employees yet keep collaborative and productive. Additionally, keeping employees comfortable and flexible at work can help maintain healthy, so employers can consider investing in ergonomic office products, like sit-stand desks, monitor arms, and ergonomic chairs.

Support people work from home

To help employees who work remotely maintain productivity and stay connected, equip them with tech and tools. This includes project management software, video conferencing apps, remote desktop software, security tools, and more.

In addition, encourage employees to have a dedicated workspace in their home, which can increase their work productivity and help mentally separate work from life. Companies can offer stipends to their workers to create a dedicated workspace or purchase ergonomic products, such as monitor arms, laptop risers, or sit-stand desks.

Remember, each company is unique. Choose which strategies work for your workplace culture to help keep your employees comfortable, productive and healthy wherever they work.