The year 2020 has been a wild ride. Murder hornets, election drama, and the ever-present pandemic have made it tough to know how to move forward. Many have had to shut their doors as business slows. However, if you are one of the businesses ready to get back to work, make sure you do it safely.
Prepare for your business reopening policies by following our guide below.
Create Your No-Contact Rules
People need some guidance so they know what is and is not acceptable at work to stay safe. Decide on a high-traffic area where your staff will see a list. Make sure to post it at a visible level. It may also be helpful to post the list in several areas, especially where your staff meets. Consider restricting the following:
- Handshaking
- Meeting in closed spaces
- Hugs
Limit Your Staff from Sharing Items
COVID-19 or Coronavirus gets spread mainly through direct contact or water vapor from someone’s breath. However, it can also be transmitted through surfaces or items. Limit your staff from sharing their personal desk items such as:
- Pens
- Staplers
- Notebooks
- Dry erase markers
- Computers
Some businesses cannot stop sharing items between staff members. Try to limit the pool of users as much as possible.
Rethink Your Office/Business Floor Plan
Remember, it is best to leave at least 6 feet between people. What can you do to create and maintain this buffer zone between staff members, customers, and any other visitors? If desks or seats are next to each other, consider staggering them. This new set up may lower the amount of space available, but will help everyone remain safe.
Limit Gathering Areas and Breakrooms
You will also need to change the spaces where people take short and long breaks. Any office kitchens or water cooler areas may need to be reconfigured to accommodate the 6-foot buffer. You could also limit the number of people in the area at one time. Consider open-air conference spaces. Encourage your staff to take breaks outside of the building to maintain safety - you may need to offer extra time off to accommodate the travel time.
Disrupting the Typical 9-5 Schedule
The standard workday or business hours runs from 9 am to 5 pm. You may need to adjust this schedule to stagger work for some employees. Balancing between getting work done, breaks, and the space available, you might find that it makes the most sense to bring some people in earlier than 9 and have others start later than 9. Ask your staff for volunteers, and you may be surprised how enthusiastic some people will be to have a flexible schedule.
Take Care of Any Electrical Issues at Your Business with Electric Blue
If you follow the guide above, your team will be more secure and safer even during the pandemic. Make sure to fill out this checklist from the CDC as a last review of your company’s readiness plan. For more help with your commercial electrical needs, consider Electric Blue. We have been serving the greater Denver area for more than 45 years. Let us help secure your business during these uncertain times.