In just over six months, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed everything that we have come to view as “normal” about modern business. Now, millions of employers across the country are beginning to wonder what the “new normal” of a post-pandemic business landscape is going to look like.
We’re still in the midst of this crisis, which means that circumstances are continuing to shift and change by the day. Still, there are a few general statements that we can confidently make about what the future of work is going to look like once the dust from the pandemic has settled.
Most importantly, it will be essential for employers to understand the specifics of how workplaces will need to change to keep themselves, their employees, and the future of their businesses safe and secure. Therefore, the goal of this article will be to provide you with a few key considerations to keep in mind as you prepare to reintroduce employees to the workplace during the pandemic.
Tips for Building a Healthy and Safe Workplace During (and After) the COVID-19 Crisis
It’s safe to say, at this point, that the old ways of doing business and of interacting with colleagues are gone. In their place are a new set of protocols designed to flatten the curve of COVID-19 while also allowing employees to go to work as safely and responsibly as possible.
As employers, we must take steps now to create an optimally healthy workplace in the future. Without a strategy aimed at workplace safety, employees will inevitably be forced to return home, and our businesses will once again have no choice but to close their doors.
So, there are three strategies that can help employers design safe, healthy, and COVID-free workplaces without any further preamble.
- Consider reintroducing employees to the workplace in stages. If it’s possible in your business context, it can make a significant long-term difference to bring your employees back to the office gradually. Rather than reintroducing everyone in a single day, consider dividing them into groups and inviting them back sequentially. You might also consider adopting a staggered shift policy, which can significantly reduce foot traffic and viral spread within your business.
- Develop a strategy for building social distancing infrastructure. If your workplace has an open office plan, you’ll need to start thinking about adding in cubicles or some other partition form to help your employees maintain social distancing. All employers should also be sure to strategically place hand sanitizer and other cleaning materials throughout the workplace. Employees will have an easier time keeping hands, workstations, and public areas disinfected.
- Decide whether or not you will be implementing mandatory employee health screenings. In anticipation of the return to work, millions of employers across the US are adopting health screening procedures as a means to maintain health and safety in the workplace. But before you decide to subject your employees to mandatory temperature checks, be sure to carefully research and understand these guidelines from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Start Building a Strong Post-COVID-19 Workforce
Are you looking for top talent employees who will help your company thrive in the “new normal” of a post-pandemic working environment? If so, Tri-Starr Group has the expertise and networking capabilities to make your search fast and easy. Contact us today to start looking for your new star employee!
