As the COVID pandemic wanes, more and more businesses are starting to think about the possibility of employees returning to the office. There has been a lot of discussion about what the “new normal” will look like, but one thing is for sure- things will not be going back to exactly the way they were before. If you are responsible for preparing your facility for employees’ return, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a safe and smooth transition.
Deep clean all common areas and disinfect any surface that may be touched by employees.
It is important to deep clean all common areas in your office before employees return. This includes disinfecting any surface that employees may touch, such as door knobs, countertops, and keyboards. You may also want to consider purchasing disposable gloves and face masks for employees to use while working.
You can hire deep cleaning services to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Just make sure that they are using CDC-approved cleaning products and following all of the proper protocols. This is perhaps, one of the most important things you can do to prepare your office for the return of employees.
Stock up on necessary supplies, such as soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.
Another important thing to do is to stock up on any necessary supplies that employees may need when they return to the office. This includes soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, tissues, and more. Having these items readily available will help ensure that employees can keep themselves clean and healthy during their time at work.
This will allow employees to feel more comfortable and confident about returning to the office, knowing they have everything they need to stay healthy. It will also lessen the risk of them spreading any illness to others in the office.
Set up workstations for those who can return
If you have employees who can return to the office, you must set up their workstations before arriving. This includes putting away personal items, setting up their computer, and ensuring their desk is clean and organized. Including this in your deep cleaning routine will help save time and ensure everything is ready for return.
You may also want to consider setting up social distancing guidelines in the office, such as putting tape on the floor to mark six feet between desks. This will help employees feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of transmission of any illness. It’s also strategic to set up any necessary equipment in a central location, such as printers or scanners. This will help minimize the time employees have to spend moving around the office.
Send out memos and emails detailing the expectations for employees when they do come back
To ensure a smooth transition back to the office, it is important to send out memos and emails detailing the expectations for employees. This includes things like wearing masks and social distancing. Reminding employees about the company’s policies and procedures is also important.
This will help employees feel more comfortable and prepared when they return to the office. And with everyone aware of the expectations, there will be less confusion and chaos. Your employees will know the updated guidelines before they even step foot back in the office, resulting in a less stressful return.
Have a plan in place for employees who may not be ready or able to return yet
There will likely be some employees who are not ready or able to return to the office. It is important to have a plan in place for these employees. This may include working from home, taking a leave of absence, or taking advantage of any other options that may be available.
Making sure you have a plan in place for these employees will help ensure that they can continue working and contributing to the company. It will also help to minimize the amount of disruption to the office.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your office for the return of employees after the COVID pandemic can seem like a daunting task. But by following these tips, you can make the transition back to the office a smooth and successful. Deep cleaning, stocking up on supplies, setting up workstations, and sending out memos are all important steps. And finally, having a plan in place for employees who may not be ready to return is crucial. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure a successful return to the office for all employees.
