When businesses start reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, company executives must develop strategies to ensure that their companies continue to operate normally. With the coronavirus pandemic, businesses have had to adopt new practices. Remote working is one of the most significant ones. Executives have had to embrace creative solutions to stay afloat. As employees start getting back to work, it is essential to prepare for them.
Dallas IT Services professional, Tristan Stewart shares his reopening checklist which may help your business resume normal functioning.
1. Office Cubicles
Even though your employees may be getting back to work, they still need to observe social distancing rules. Generally, there should be a distance of at least six feet between the employees. While open office layouts have their benefits, they may not be the best choice now. There is an increased need for cubicles and screens in your office set-ups.
2. Encourage Employees to Avoid Sharing Items
While it is common for people to share items in the office, it can be unhealthy during these times. Some of the most common things that can be shared around offices include notebooks, pens, file folders, markers, and staplers. Although some businesses cannot afford a zero-tolerance policy on sharing work items, you should try to minimize it as much as possible. Consider the following questions when trying to implement the policy.
Do you have any PPEs to protect your employees?
What are the essential tools for your business?
What items can you afford to provide your employees with?
Do you have any high-risk members of staff?
How can you post and implement the no-item-sharing policy?
Do the members of staff understand the importance of your policy?
3. Digital Signage
Social distancing is important, but it isn’t the only practice you need to maintain. You must be aware of the risk of touch and the importance of hygiene. One of the most effective ways to minimize casual transference is by ensuring that your employees do not forget about the pandemic. Continue reminding them about it and how to stay safe. Digital signage can help you remind them about the changing policies.
4. Eliminate Gathering Areas
Common areas are significant for socialization, but they aren’t safe. Before COVID-19, it was common for employees to gather in staff lounges, kitchenettes, and break rooms. However, that is no longer an option. Minimize communal gathering areas as much as possible. If you need to have them, they should be in open-air spaces. When implementing this policy, you may need to ask a few critical questions. They include:
What are the gathering areas in your office?
Is there a way to minimize inter-personal contact without eliminating employee companionship?
How and where do your employees hang out?
5. Teleconferencing Software and Remote Work Management
With the closure of offices, most employees are already working from home. Most companies have already invested in teleconferencing software and the equipment to manage remote work. However, you may need to put in even more effort if you plan on adopting teleconferencing as a norm. Ensure that your employees continue to enjoy high-quality solutions even as they start resuming work.
6. Hand-Sanitizing Stations
Create hand-sanitizing stations that work. They should be placed conveniently and equipped with cleaning supplies. Invest in hand sanitizer and safety equipment for employees and patrons. When consumers and employees know that they are protected, they are likely to develop confidence in your business and products. No one wants to be involved with a company that seems risky.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way that businesses operate. As lockdowns are lifted, and employees start going back to work, they must continue to observe safety measures.
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