Creating a safe office environment in the post-pandemic world

Whether their employees are prepared or not, most executives are excited to welcome workers back to the office after the difficult last few years of absence. Even President Joe Biden wrote a letter urging federal employees to return to work as an inspiring example for their fellow Americans. As Covid cases declined, he extended his message to all Americans in early 2022.

Although there isn't proof that in-office working boosts creativity or productivity, executive enthusiasm for bringing employees back to the office may have a more critical function: satisfying the basic human need for social interaction. And not only that, corporate leaders' excitement about returning to work can be interpreted as a signal that it's once more acceptable to resume living like it was before the pandemic.

But what does going back to work mean in 2023? Many questions still obfuscate our "new normal," and many employees are unsure whether they should go back to work and how best to proceed if they don't have a choice.

Understand employer preparations versus employee expectations.

There are no one-size-fits-all best practices for the new normal; getting it right involves identifying the needs of each business, industry, location and workforce. However, some principles will apply broadly, and you must become familiar with the government's secure COVID-19 guidelines to help protect all employees at the workplace.

The pandemic has put employer-employee relations to the test. Under increased scrutiny, employers have provided their employees with a level of support that is unprecedented. Likewise, employees also showed incredible resilience and adaptability while attempting to continue working despite the difficulties of the pandemic. Then, while the vaccine development increased confidence in returning to work, there are still questions about how to bring workers back safely.

This is why employers should create a return strategy that helps them achieve their business objectives while also considering employee expectations and the requirement for greater flexibility. Everything from indoor air quality and HVAC upgrades to portable air purifiers has become essential to increase workplace safety in this "Post-COVID" world. Have you considered these requirements? No? If you're considering bringing your in-office staff back in full, keep reading to find out how and what strategies have become crucial for your personnel's well-being.

Consider going hybrid.

Have you thought of implementing a hybrid-working model and co-working spaces? A hybrid workplace increases employee safety by minimizing the number of people present at your facilities at all times, fostering plenty of personal space, and allowing for a safe distance between personnel. If your employees or their families are particularly at risk, flexible working schedules can also allow them to commute during off-peak hours or work from home, making them feel safer.

Following the pandemic, some employers realized that collaboration spaces for their employees are more important than specialized areas like cubicles. These businesses are cutting back on work seats in favor of more collaborative zones to foster greater connection and encourage innovation because of hybrid employees’ alternating schedules. Even if it requires some investing, redesigning office spaces for co-working shared desks and hybrid work might be the ideal solution for your staff.

Plan and communicate cleaning regimens.

It is very beneficial to share and explain the precautions your company is taking to protect your team’s health, as well as the steps they can take to safeguard themselves once they are back at work.

Evaluate the accessibility and clarity of your company's health protocols. This includes all safety and hygiene procedures and what happens if a staff member shows COVID-19 symptoms or tests positive. Now that shared and multipurpose spaces are commonplace, regular and thorough cleaning routines should be the new office standard.

As offices reopen, certain habits that became common during the pandemic will stick with us, including new routines and hygienic expectations. Air purification, routine cleaning, disinfecting plans and policies, and sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizers are pandemic influences everyone expects now. Remember to consider the importance of showing that a room is clean to start the day and how much confidence this can instill in the workers who use that space.

Stock up!

Ensure you have a sufficient supply of all the items needed to maintain office hygiene, such as hand soaps, paper towels and sanitizers. Post notices reminding people to practice proper handwashing, use hand sanitizer, and maintain other essential hygiene practices. Above all, consider how you can make things at work lighter and more tolerable under the new normal.

Depending on your industry, you might need to provide personal protective equipment for your staff. Make sure you have any screens or barriers you might need between people. If someone needs one, make sure you have masks ready. When you're in a rush, you occasionally forget the simplest things, like masks. Consider people's needs, particularly when they are going through a readjustment phase.

Speaking of phases…

How many people can you bring back to work without endangering their safety? How will you enforce social distancing? Make the appropriate adjustments to your office layout after asking yourself these questions, and bring back only the necessary employees. Communicate the plans to the staff at all times, and do it in phases.

Also, give your employees reasonable notice periods once you expect them to return. Many people will need to plan for childcare or other facets of their lives. Remember, the more notice you provide, the less stress you'll add to your employees' list of concerns.

Hire an office cleaning company.

Before the office reopens, you will need professionals to thoroughly clean and air your installations. You should also establish a regular cleaning schedule in the future. It is essential to maintain cleaning consistency, use CDC-recommended products, and figure out the best COVID-19 commercial cleaning solutions. Only specialized cleaning companies can offer you these services.

Contact a provider that can develop a custom plan for your business and EPA disinfectant products. Their COVID-19 services should include open area fogging, touch point disinfecting, product stocking, and chemical cleaning support.

Listen to your staff.

The last but most significant point is that mental health is a component of providing a safe workplace. Employees may feel more stressed than usual about various issues, including illness, money, future employment, family members, and many other things. Without seeing and interacting with them as closely, it is very challenging to understand how your employees are feeling.

Set up one-on-one virtual meetings with every person before they return or with teams if your company's size makes this unfeasible. Pay attention to their issues and discuss any concerns you have about their physical and mental health, as well as any worries they may have about coming back. Be receptive to the ideas and information that others are willing to share.

Remember that many of your employees are now accustomed to working from home, so you'll need to give them plenty of time to get used to working in the office again.

What is next in workplace health and safety post-COVID?

It is critical to have comprehensive plans to transition employees back into the office and enforce safety and wellness standards. Remember that the COVID-19 secure guidelines state that the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has the authority to take enforcement actions against companies that do not comply with the current public health legislation.

However, even if government agencies have offered guidelines and recommendations for reopening strategies after the pandemic, you, as a company leader, must consider the particular needs of your employees and offices. By doing this, you can create the procedures necessary to maintain their successful business operations while also ensuring the welfare of your workforce.