As more and more people return to the office full-time, it’s more important than ever to be sure you’re keeping your employees safe and healthy. With this in mind, Maryville University just released a resource guide titled, How to Maintain a Healthy Workplace Post-COVID-19. 
- The Biggest Challenges to Reopening Safely
- Helping Teams Transition from Remote to In-Person Work
- A List of Guidelines and Resources for Reopening a Workplace Post COVID-19
- And more!
The guide also covers strategies for creating a healthy workplace, advising that “[businesses] must consider the needs of the people, infrastructures, and processes that make their businesses run.”
Some of the strategies the guide recommends, include:
Evaluating and updating building infrastructure.
Take stock of ventilation systems, exhaust fans, water systems, air circulation, and hazard risks. Businesses can upgrade their HVAC systems or purchase several HEPA-grade air purifiers to improve air filtration and flow throughout the building. If weather permits, prepare to keep windows open, especially in common areas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends implementing multiple ventilation strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Gathering necessary supplies.
Acquire hand soap, hand sanitizer, air filters, plexiglass dividers, masks, and gloves. Make these supplies accessible, and set up sanitation stations throughout the office, such as in reception areas, shared spaces, and bathrooms. You might also replace communal or reusable supplies, such as silverware and cups, with disposable and single-use alternatives.
Setting up daily health checks.
Ensure you have adequate supplies for temperature checks and/or rapid COVID-19 tests, as necessary. Thermal scanning, for example, can be used to check for fever, which is a common symptom of COVID-19, according to the CDC. You can also train people to conduct self-checks virtually or at home, eliminating the risk of having infected employees come to the office.
Posting signage to enforce best practices.
Set up reminders for employees about social distancing, employing proper handwashing techniques, and wearing masks. These practices are especially important in breakrooms, cafeterias, and lobbies, where people are likely to gather.
Creating a schedule for disinfecting work areas.
Work with teams to frequently disinfect surfaces and equipment with antibacterial cleaners at least once each day. Assign different people to disinfect high-touch objects such as light switches, doorknobs and drawer handles, and handrails.
To view the complete list of strategies, as well as the full guide to reopening safely, visit Maryville University’s site.
