Returning to Work- Best Practices to Follow

‘Returning to work’ is currently a big challenge for both the employer and the employees. This dilemma of going back to the workplace is being witnessed in every organization due the fear of Covid-19 infection and its emerging variants. It is difficult to predict when things will be back to normal? Whenever working people have been asked if they are comfortable going back to the workplace, 2 out 3 employees have shown hesitation.

In such condition, just asking everyone to come back to the office won’t help. The ultimate aim is to proceed with safety and create a risk-free work environment.

Companies must resume ‘in-office’ work again with caution, knowing that safety is the biggest concern for everyone at this point of time.

Here are best practices and strategies that have been proven beneficial for companies who have started in-person work activities again.

1.       Follow safety guidelines

Adhere to local guidelines along with workplace safety guidelines as requested by the state government. Doing so will protect you and the ones around you. If there is any guideline that states half occupancy or a percentage of staff is allowed, stick to it strictly.

2.       Take regular input from employees

Communicate with your employees on a regular basis, include them while planning and strategizing to show them their importance. When employees feel that they are being heard, they feel empowered and work effectively. Ask them if they need any help that can add to their productivity.

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3.       Employee shifts can help

Social distancing will remain a key to slow down the spread of coronavirus and is expected to continue for a long time period. Apart from the guidelines, it will be best to limit the presence of employees by assigning shifts. Ask a part of your workforce to work in the office on 2 particular days (rest of the days from home), and similarly ask the others to join the office on their assigned days.

4.       Organize health checkups and vaccination booths

Ensure each employee who is joining the office, is healthy and safe. Organize vaccination camps to get everyone vaccinated and pay attention to their health. Don’t force anyone to join the office if they aren’t feeling well, grant them work from home to boost a healthy and employee-centric work environment. Help them by booking online appointments virtually with a doctor on The Wellness Corner.

5.       Make necessary supplies available for all

Collaborate with HR and ensure that there is a dedicated person to take care of the preventive supplies like sanitizers, wipes, soaps, etc. (in more quantity than before). Make sure that supplies won’t run out.

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Know that everyone is going through the same patch when it comes to returning back to work. Here are some additional tips that can be considered for more safety-

• Close common areas like cafeteria for a while
• Avoid group meetings
• Provide your employees personal mugs for tea/coffee
• Help employee deal with stress
• Give them proper instructions before they come back to the office
• Conduct training sessions to make employees aware of new safety procedures so they can abide by it
• Don’t miss temperature checks at the entrance

Adapting to the unprecedented times like the Covid-19 pandemic is necessary for organizational growth. Proper coordination between employees and employers, good workplace relations, and respecting each other are important elements for corporate survival. Do all that you can do to make your employees feel safe and see how wonderfully they help you sail through, irrespective of the waves of the coronavirus.