Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, just announced his 4-part plan to reopen California from the Coronavirus shutdown. Phase 2 of his plan is to potentially open some retail stores, schools, manufacturing, offices and public spaces, with social-distancing rules. So, what are some reasonable rules that could be implemented? As we wait for the official news about the rules businesses should implement in the workplace, here is some quick information that can prepare you:
Greet without physical contact - Encourage employees to avoid handshakes and hugs while greeting and interacting with colleagues or customers. Keep hand sanitizer close by!
Enhance cleaning and safety measures like adding hand sanitizing stations throughout the office for the benefit of employees and customers
Create 6ft of Distance between all workstations (see image above)
Insert space dividers like Freestanding Panels, Protection Screens, Sliding Partitions or Mobile Partitions to maintain personal space
Please keep in mind when creating temporary barriers that you do not block or inhibit emergency egress, corridors, aisles, or safe paths of travel. In addition, consider the flammable nature of materials so you do not create a fire hazard
Reconfigure shared spaces - Limit the number of employees allowed in a setting and install visual guidelines such as floor stickers and monitors reminding people to keep 6ft apart
Break-rooms and other break areas should be managed to reduce communal use
Virtual meetings - At this point, majority of employers are accustom to online meetings via video conferencing platforms like Google Hangouts, Skype, and Zoom
Work from home when possible - The more we can keep employees protected, the better
Redesign your entire office - this might be overwhelming at first; however, it directly aligns with our long-term goals of keeping viruses out of the office and maintaining our employees’ safety
Every organization should evaluate their unique situation for reopening in the new normal when the time comes, so employees can return to the workplace with confidence.
Workplace Solutions would love to help you get ahead of the curve!