Whether a company is an essential business or is expecting to reopen its doors in the coming weeks, a number of challenges must be addressed in order to provide a safe environment in which employees can work, while at the same time mitigating risk and restoring operations.
Implementing social distancing measures will be an important key to maintaining a safe workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing can reduce virus transmission by increasing physical distance or reducing frequency of congregation in socially dense community settings, such as workplaces. While the particular social distancing practices will need to vary depending on the type of workplace, examples of social distancing measures in the workplace could include:
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Closing lunch areas or staggering lunch and break times
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Removing chairs from conference rooms to limit attendance at meetings and ensure employees can sit at least six feet apart
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Leaving a buffer between scheduled meetings in conference or meeting rooms to avoid overlap between two groups and to allow time for cleanings
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Installing social distancing decals on the floors of any shared spaces in the workplace
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Encouraging employees with their own offices to stay in their offices as much as possible
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Adopting video conference guidelines or installing video phones so that even when in the office, employees are discouraged from meeting in person
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Restructuring open floor layouts to ensure that employees can sit at least six feet away from each other
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Installing barriers between workspaces, in reception areas, or between customers and employees that can be easily cleaned and are high enough to prevent contact
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Delivering products through curbside pick-up or delivery
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Posting social distancing reminders throughout the workplace, including compliance with any state or local posting requirements
Employers may also consider staggering employee returns in order to minimize the number of employees returning at once and the logistics of staggered or split shifts. Employers should also consider limiting the number of clients, customers, and other third parties in the facility or workplace.
Social distancing might impact an organization’s culture and its employees’ productivity and engagement. But taking preemptive steps to address these implications by developing an effective employee communication plan and enabling managers to handle employee needs and responses will help minimize the impact.
