Most Important Changes Companies Should Be Making for the Return to the Office
Every day we inch closer and closer to our eventual return to the office, regardless of whichever industry one might work in. With the return to work, the office that we once knew will undergo some drastic changes as we approach the “new normal”.
Make the Office Safe
This one might seem obvious, but making the office a safe space where employees feel comfortable working is a crucial step to not overlook. Spacing desks apart, limiting in-person meetings, and providing PPE to those that need it is just one of the many things companies can do to ensure that their employees have the confidence to return to work.
“I think what will be important is the ease of coming to the office. Everyone is scared and when people are scared they have a tendency to not try it. If people felt that the office was safe and that the protocol for coming in was easy, they will most likely start returning to the office. Companies also need to be concerned about the growing number of educational facilities stating that children will be home a few days a week or home schooled.”
Collaboration Won’t Go Away
Just because there is new social distancing measures to make everyone feel safe doesn’t mean that collaboration between co-workers will go away. In fact, it’s because of this that collaboration will become even more important. Over-communicating between each other and having workplace technologies are a good first step to making it so your colleagues don’t lose efficiencies.
“Collaboration is now a big component in our everyday working environment and I do not believe we should eliminate this due to the crisis, but make these spaces safer. Humans crave social interaction and collaboration so by simply making these spaces larger, more spaced apart, or incorporating distancing components, groups can still collaborate in a safe and healthy way.”
Important Changes to Let Your Employees Know You Care About Them
Another often overlooked step is communicating that you hear the concerns of your colleagues and are taking steps to make them feel more comfortable with the return to work. Simple signage within the workspace or sending internal communications letting everyone know that the company is taking every precaution available to make everyone safe is one of the easiest ways to increase workplace confidence and boost morale.
“I would say visual representation that changes were made to keep their employees safe. Whether that is signage to promote social distancing or screen dividers between all stations.”
Invest In The Proper PPE Tools
Lastly, it is important to have the proper PPE in place throughout the office that adheres by CDC guidelines. Masks, gloves, hand sanitizers are just one of the many things that companies need to keep in consideration when equipping their office with the proper tools. Our BOSH organization now offers PPE stations that can be mounted on any wall and surface. This PPE station is a fantastic tool to have in the office to make it so everyone has the protective gear they need.
“Companies should provide the proper protective equipment to their employees. Anything that is required to be worn or used in the office should be provided by the company. Companies who have had success with their employees working from home should also allow them the option to continue working from home until they feel comfortable to return to the office. Everyone has their own feelings about the virus and their own reasons for being home and they should be respected.”
