COVID times

There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a massive toll on the entire world. Not only has it had a huge effect on people’s health, but it has also affected the economy, with businesses being forced to adhere to lockdown measures. But now, as the world slowly starts to ease restrictions and move towards a more normalized model, suddenly business owners are left scrambling and trying to figure out the best ways to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

If that’s the position you find yourself in as a small business owner, then these tips can come in handy.

Provide for a Safe Distance and Spread Out

Right from the get go, the first step you’ll want to take is to spread everyone out. Giving people that safe distance of six feet is imperative to stop the spread of COVID-19. That will likely mean re-designing the layout, and even having people work in shifts in the office to ensure there aren’t too many people at once. You can even encourage employees to work remotely from their own homes if possible.

Make Hand Hygiene Easy to Achieve

As all the experts state, one of the best ways to keep everyone safe during COVID-19 is to maintain hand hygiene. This means washing and/or disinfecting hands multiple times throughout the day. By installing hand hygiene stations that are accessible to all, you’ll make this step simple for employees and customers.

Install Protective Barriers

A big trend right now, especially in the retail industry, is installing protective barriers between staff and customers. This cuts down on the odds of transmission significantly and just makes everyone feel much safer. This sneeze guard supplier points out how a simple thing such as a protective Plexiglas shield between customer and employee can make a massive difference. These types of shields can even be used in office cubicles where there are many desks and work spaces all in one building. 

Prioritize Workplace Cleanliness

Prioritizing workplace cleanliness is more critical than ever to ensure businesses operate safely. Regular and thorough cleaning, especially of high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and communal areas, is essential in minimizing the spread of the virus. Commercial cleaning companies near me in Salt Lake City, UT provide expertise and specialized equipment to effectively disinfect and sanitize the office environment. By implementing rigorous cleaning protocols, businesses can reduce the risk of viral transmission, protect the health of employees, and maintain operational continuity. Moreover, a clean and well-maintained workplace, whether this is ensured in-house or with the help of a company well-versed in Indoor Disinfection in Pittsburgh, PA or elsewhere, helps reassure both employees and clients that their safety is a top priority, fostering trust and confidence during uncertain times.

Encourage Employees to Share Concerns with You

There is bound to be some fear, apprehension, and even a little anxiousness from employees who are working in the office or any other workplace setting. They want to be able to do their job and make a living, but of course they want to do so in a way that feels safe to them. 

This is why it’s important to encourage employees to share concerns and questions they may have about safety and hygiene protocols with you. As an owner, it is up to you to provide a workplace that makes the health and safety of employees and customers a priority. You don’t want to simply brush away their concerns, instead hear them out so you can offer solutions that make them comfortable.

It’s All-New Territory

Keep in mind that this is all new territory for everyone right now. There is still so much to learn about the illness and with rules, regulations, and guidelines changing all the time, it can be hard as a business owner to keep up. Staying informed, keeping the lines of communication open with your employees, and looking for solutions will help your business to survive in operate in a healthy manner.