Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are working from home than ever before. Remote work isn’t feasible for everyone, though, and there are still plenty of folks who need to work outside of the home.
Are your employees part of this group? If so, you must take steps to keep your workplace clean and sanitized. Read on for some tips that will help you ensure your team remains safe and healthy now and in the future.
Create a Sanitizing Plan
When it comes to preventing the spread of germs at work, a thorough sanitizing plan is the first step management ought to take.
Start by taking inventory of what needs to be cleaned throughout the office. Pay special attention to high-touch and high-traffic areas, such as the breakroom, the front desk, or the conference room.
Create a schedule so you know what needs to be cleaned and how often. Stock up on cleaning products like disinfecting spray, sponges, and paper towels, too.
Provide High-Quality Masks
At this point, it’s well-documented that wearing masks is one of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (as well as other illnesses that have the potential for airborne transmission). Make sure everyone in the workplace has access to high-quality masks, especially if their jobs require them to come in contact with the public frequently.
A high-quality mask is one that’s made with (at the very least) two layers of fabric. It must cover the mouth and nose with no large gaps, and it should have ear loops or ties for easy adjustments.
Establish Outdoor Spaces
If temperatures allow, try to create outdoor spaces for your employees to relax and take breaks. Spending time outside will give them a chance to get some fresh air, take off their masks (as long as they’re maintaining a distance of at least six-feet, of course), and decompress.
Encourage Overall Wellness
In addition to encouraging good health and safety practices related to COVID-10, it’s also important to prioritize overall employee health and wellness.
Do you have plans in place to help your workers go to the doctor and dentist regularly? Are there programs that help them to manage their stress, such as access to therapy and other mental health services?
If not, now is a good time to reevaluate so you can make these things more of a priority.
Keep Everyone in the Loop
Finally, set aside time to communicate with your employees and inform them of your cleaning and sanitizing plans.
If everyone’s in the loop, it’ll be easy for them to prioritize their health and safety (as well as that of colleagues and customers). They’ll also be able to feel more confident showing up to work because they know that their employers are taking the pandemic seriously.
Help Your Employees Stay Safe and Healthy
Now, more than ever, you need to make sure your employees stay safe and healthy. Implement the tips listed above so you can keep the workplace clean, prevent the spread of germs, and set everyone up for success.