COVID-19 has brought in unprecedented times, where every citizen in the country is at risk of being infected unless the right measures are taken. As a business owner, it is important to increase awareness about social distancing in the workplace to safeguard your employees, and the country’s health at large. Since the pandemic is not expected to ease, following certain guidelines will help in continuing business associated activities without the onset of an infection. Here are 4 tips to help you instill a cautious method of working, both for small as well as large business owners.
1. Clean common areas
Not everyone can work from home, however, altering work timings or reduction in the number of work hours will ensure that fewer number of employees work at any specified time.
Staggered work timings will also allow objects in common areas to be disinfected well before the next set of employees clock in at work.
- Wipe all common areas and objects before the next shift workers arrive
- Ensure that multiple people do not group together in waiting rooms
- Provide sanitizers for customers to use before they enter the premises
2. Social norms
Employees entering the office premises must do so after they sanitize their hands and bags that they bring in. A strict no visitor policy should be followed, where the entry of visitors should not be allowed. Further, employees should be asked not to greet with a handshake or any other method of greeting that involves physical proximity.
- Provide sanitizers at all workstations and create a work culture of proper hand hygiene
- UV cabinet and UV sterilization box may be placed to disinfect objects used amongst colleagues during the shift
- A sterilization tent may be a good option to ensure that employees, along with their bags, are sanitized well before they enter the office
3. Re-organize workspaces with social distancing markers
Re-organize workspaces to include cubicles or workstations, where there is a physical separation between employees. When involved in a project or in a discussion, people may tend to forget the social distancing rules and step closer into a huddle. However, social distancing markers will help in clear demarcation, helping employees always stay aware.
4. Building teams and collaborations
Colleagues working independently may be encouraged to maintain social distance. However, employees associated with collaborative projects may need to be pro-actively monitored to limit the number of people within close proximity.
All businesses are required to put in place systems that encourage social distancing. Unless it is planned well, it could affect productivity at work. The right systems will help build employee confidence and help safeguard their health and wellness, promoting good practices that improve the efficiency of businesses in the pandemic.
