Tips to apply before returning to the office during the Covid19
Communicate safety measures to employees
Effective communication soothes the spirits and removes doubts, by email or video-call before the day of resumption of work companies can disseminate the measures that will be put in place. Even if a very large majority know them, the barrier gestures must be remembered in the context of the activity. The wearing of the mask will be compulsory on the premises? Of course, those who feel sick or those at risk will have to be told to stay at home. Finally, proof of business travel for imperative reasons will be communicated well before the date of return to the premises.
Adapting the workplace to measures against Coronavirus
Health security guarantees this return to work, it will be necessary to ensure the supply of soap, hydro-alcoholic gel and cleaning products. Housekeeping follows government measures: a single-use gown, gloves and more frequent cleaning.
Maintaining distance measures of at least one meter requires reorganizing work spaces, moving away from workstations and rearranging common places, such as the company canteen.
The usual security measures will continue to apply and vigilance will be maintained. Beware of falls, contact with dangerous chemical agents or the improper handling of heavy equipment. Employees recently hired or replaced could be victims. The precautions specific to each sector must be implemented.
Review processes for more security
It will be a matter of combing all operational modes, identifying, evaluating and securing risky processes. The government recommends minimizing meetings, to be replaced by video-calls. Specific instructions by team will be communicated by the managers.
If possible, the company can opt for team rotations or maintain partial teleworking, to minimize the risk of contact and overcrowding. When shifting teams, it is best to allow a lag time for cleaning and avoid grouping. All trips not essential to the activity are to be prohibited. Finally, updating computer systems for the partial or total continuation of teleworking is a good idea.
Other practical advice for companies
Make sure that any sick employee does not come to work.
Disinfect daily places and surfaces very frequented.
Soak your employees’ shoes in disinfectant as soon as they enter the office.
Maintain social distance as much as possible.
Avoid “handshakes” during meetings and hugs to say hello.
Encourage employees to wear masks and gloves.
Put in the necessary facilities to encourage regular hand washing among your employees.
Make sure your employees don’t use the same cups, tissues and hand dryers.
Make a list to reduce the number of people at meetings or in the dining room.
Avoid gatherings if it is difficult to maintain social distancing.
Give priority to working from home in order to reduce the number of employees in the workplace.
Organize a meeting between your employees and your company’s Health & Safety manager. So that he can explain the safety rules at the workplace and the importance of maintaining the same sanitary discipline at home.
