Things To Do When Returning To Work
As more and more sectors are returning to work, the likes of large-scale business office spaces are looking at ways in which their workforce can also return to their office desks without worrying about exposure to COVID-19.
At Office Furniture Online, we’ve been busy behind the scenes preparing a range of high-quality office accessories that will ensure the protection of staff and aid in reducing the risks of Coronavirus infection.
To help you put measures into place, we’ve compiled a concise list of potential procedures and just some of the premium protective products available from our extensive stock.
Be Prepared
First and foremost, preparation is key. No stone should be left unturned when it comes to readying your office space for the return of your workforce. You should identify and impose sensible, achievable measures to reduce the risks involved with returning to work, looking at the following:
- A risk assessment of the building and office space.
- Identifying staff who can work from home if possible.
- Introducing sufficient washroom and hygiene facilities to fall in line with government procedures and NHS guidelines.
- Conduct an initial cleaning of the office space, especially surfaces and work areas.
- Taking steps to install barriers and social distancing signage and markings which adhere to 2-metres apart.
Ideally, you should only bring back skeleton staff who are needed for the proper running of business procedures. It’s advised that you don’t bring back your workforce all at once, as this will dramatically increase infection risks. Instead, you should stagger the reintroduction of your staff, reintroducing people by a shift in a streamlined manner. It’s also wise to consider discounting those who are high-risk, have children or care responsibilities and those who rely on public transport to get to and from work.
As well as bearing in mind the number of people needed in your office, you should consider the protocols which will be involved in entering and exiting the building, breakout and food preparation areas, meeting areas and security and emergency procedures.
Inform Your Workforce
Communication is key in any business, and there’s perhaps no more important time for clear and concise communications than returning to work after lockdown.
By ensuring that people are welcomed back to work with clear guidelines and a simple breakdown of the new workplace protocols that have been put in place, staff will be able to easily adhere to your post-lockdown protocols.
This information should include the likes of:
- Distancing measures.
- Cleaning arrangements and stations where facilities can be found.
- Working arrangements and procedures for breaks, entering and leaving the building.
- Seating arrangements (if any different).
- Travel arrangements.
- Absence procedures.
It’s vital that you keep up regular contact with your staff and colleagues, reinforcing your guidelines and procedures on a regular basis as well as informing well in advance of any changes or measures being lifted.
Prevent Risks Once Returned
Once preparations have been made, your workforce has been informed, educated and returned to work – it’s integral that you keep on top of your protocols to prevent risk.
You can maintain these standards and keep everyone safe by:
- Ensuring washroom and hygiene products are in place and well-stocked.
- Identify and revisit key touchpoints and high-traffic areas within the workplace, equipping them with clearly visible and easy-to-reach hand sanitiser stations.
- Maintain frequent cleaning of surfaces and work areas.
- Supply your staff with adequate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
- Monitor and review procedures that are taken with food preparation, deliveries and waste management.
- Adhere to and reinforce social distancing measures.
With the aid of our advice on returning to your office and the cooperation and care of your staff and colleagues, your business and its workforce should be safe and well-positioned to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
