Tips for Keeping Offices Safe as They Reopen During COVID-19

As states continue to reopen, many offices are going to begin welcoming employees back to the workplace. Whether team members will be on-site full-time or be returning on a part-time basis, finding ways to keep the office safe is necessary.

After all, the COVID-19 threat isn’t completely gone, so you can’t return to all of your pre-pandemic practices. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some tips for reopening during COVID-19.

Examine the Data

Every company is in a different situation. Your office’s floorplan, the city you’re located in, and your staff’s size can all be factors that play a role in your decision-making process. Similarly, project schedules and workloads are going to be part of the equation.

Before you bring workers back, you need to review your data and determine what approaches make sense. This is especially true since social distancing and cleaning requirements could limit your initial workplace capacity. You want to be able to bring the right employees in on the proper schedule, ensuring you see the biggest productivity boost while limiting risk.

Perform Daily Health Screenings

All employees and visitors need to participate in daily health screenings. If anyone has a temperature, was recently in contact with an infected individual, or is exhibiting any potential symptoms, they need to be turned away from the office.

With this, you also need procedures in place to determine how those who need to self-isolate should proceed. The same goes for employees with health conditions that put them at greater risk, as they may need to work from home until the situation calms.

Rearrange for Social Distancing

While most people know that they should stay six feet apart, it can be hard to visualize that distance correctly. If you want to make sure employees can follow those rules with ease, consider rearranging your workplace in advance.

Move or remove furniture to keep all work stations at least six feet apart and provide substantial walkways. Hold meetings online instead of in-person. Limit the number of people who can be in an elevator at the same time. Separate your staircases into “up” and “down” ones, preventing anyone from having to pass another person.

These changes make social distancing easier to manage. As a result, it’s wise to get them in place early.

Focus on Cleanliness and Hygiene

Before your employees return, have a robust cleaning plan in place. This should include approaches for daily maintenance cleanings as well as deep cleanings in case someone gets infected.

Additionally, make it easy for your workers to focus on hygiene and safety. Provide welcome back kits with hand sanitizer, masks, and a guide to proper handwashing. Let them know where cleaning supplies are located should they need them.

Ultimately, reopening during COVID-19 is going to come with some challenges. But, by following the tips above, you can reduce risk and keep your office as safe as possible. If you’d like to learn more about navigating a reopening, the staff at The Squires Group can help. Contact us today.


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