Whether you own your own business, or you are an office manager, it has never been more important to think about the safety and health of your employees. COVID-19 has completely transformed the world and the way in which people work, socialize, and just go about their daily activities. And while there is no cure at the moment, there are plenty of factors within your control that will help you to COVID proof your workplace and make it as safe as possible.
So, let’s take a closer look at the top tips you’ll want to embrace in the workplace.
Ensure You Have All the Necessary Infection Control Products
As you work to make your office safe for all, one of the first steps you’ll want to take is securing enough infection control products for staff to use. These products consist of such things as disposable masks, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and sprays, disposable gloves, thermometers, and face shields.
These are the tools that will keep everyone safe, including employees and customers/clients, so there needs to be plenty to go around.
At the same time, employees need to be trained on the proper use of infection control products to ensure maximum benefits and effectiveness.
Create Physical Distance Between Employees
The next step you’ll need to take is to create physical distance between the employees of at least six feet. This could mean rearranging the layout of the office, re-purposing furniture, and may even require buying more pieces. There are also barriers and screens that you can install between work stations that will offer protection and help people adjust to the “New Normal” in the workplace.
For some workplaces, this could be difficult, as not every office has extra space available. If this is a problem you’re running into then it may be time for some creative solutions. You could have some employees work remotely, and others work in shifts so that you decrease the number of bodies in the space at one time.
Direct Employees to Stay Home When Feeling Sick
Perhaps you have the type of office that is filled with hard workers who show up for work, rain or shine, no matter how they are feeling. Now is not the time for that hero mentality. It’s important to communicate to all employees that if they feel sick, or show any signs of COVID-19, they need to remain at home and self-isolate.
What is Your Contamination Plan?
It’s also important to set up a contamination plan. This is your “in case of emergency plan”. Sure, you are taking lots of steps to prevent this from happening, but the reality of the situation is that you could end up with an infection and an outbreak if you don’t act swiftly and properly. Contact tracing measures will be key in this scenario, as they will help you to slow the spread.
These are some of the most important steps you can take in order to make your workplace as COVID proof as possible.
