Preparing to welcome back employees
Whether your staff have been away from the office for just a few months or since the start of the first lockdown over 12 months ago, it is likely there is going to be some nerves and anxiety attached to returning to the office. As an employer, it’s important that you not only give your returning workforce a warm welcome, but that you consult with them about changes that are being made to achieve a COVID-secure workplace.
What office precautions need to be put in place?
Increased hand sanitisation
Under current guidelines, employers should aim to increase the frequency of handwashing. This can be achieved by ensuring an adequate supply of soap and water is always available and by introducing hand sanitisation stations, particularly in communal areas.
Increased surface cleaning
You must make arrangements for surfaces to be cleaned more frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
Using screens and barriers
Partitions, such as screens and barriers, should be used where appropriate to protect workers, visitors and members of the public.
Avoiding face-to-face working
Where possible, you should make arrangements for workers to work back-to-back or side-to-side instead of face-to-face.
Creating fixed teams or partners
To reduce the number of individuals that each worker comes into contact with, create fixed teams or working partnerships made up of only a few people where possible.
Improving ventilation
Steps must be taken to improve ventilation. For example, you should keep windows and doors open, adjust the fan speed to increase existing ventilation or use ceiling fans to improve air circulation wherever possible.
Face coverings
Face coverings are not mandatory in offices. However, they should be worn in customer-facing businesses such as estate agents, banks, and professional service companies.