Coronavirus - Getting Back To Work

The coronavirus outbreak is fading and it's time to think about getting back to work. In today's article, we'll give you our top tips.

Business owners all over the country will be hoping to get back to work. However, there are lots of things to consider. You need to make sure it's safe for your staff. It's important to comply with the government's guidelines. And you need to be aware of what's changed since last year.

You may also find our article on How Coronavirus Will Affect The Economy helpful.

Hygiene Guidelines For Getting Back To Work

Clearly the type of business will dictate what hygiene measures you need to take. Some sectors (gyms, salons, restaurants) will need to take particular care.

Professional services (legal, financial etc) can probably afford to take a light touch.

The government has published guidance for companies looking to reopen. Here are some things to consider:

• Ventilation - Is the office well ventilated? Do you have windows that you can open? Is your air conditioning clean and safe?
• Cleaning - Do you have hand sanitiser on site? How often do you plan to have the office cleaned? Have the staff been told to wash their hands when they arrive at the office?
• Equipment - Will you provide staff with masks or other PPE? Do you plan to erect screens between desks?
• Staffing - Should you stagger work shifts so that the office is never at 100% capacity?
• Travel - How are staff supposed to get to the office? Do you provide car parking for those who want to avoid public transport?

Social Distancing

At the moment, the UK government is asking its citizens to stay 2m apart from each other. This should be fine for most offices. However, it could prove extremely difficult for:

• gyms
• cafes
• restaurants
• bars
• salons
• cinemas/theatres

There is talk that the government might reduce social distancing guidelines to 1m. Even so, businesses that require a lot of close contact or mingling will still struggle to be viable.

Start thinking now if your business is set up for social distancing. How close are the desks in the office? Is the kitchen big enough to allow more than one person to use the facilities? Are things laid out so that people don't have to brush past each other as they walk around?

Working From Home

Unless you run a restaurant or salon (where staff have to be physically on the premises), getting back to work will involve a lot of remote working.
Our previous article Coronavirus - What Have We Learned has some useful tips. The key is to make sure you are prepared. Do you have the right equipment?

Do you have VPNs set up so that staff can remote in? Have your staff been instructed in proper cyber security protocols when working from home?

Think how much of your working day revolves around people being in the office. Do you have a work culture with a lot of meetings? If so, can you replace them with Zoom calls? Did the staff typically socialise in person? How will it affect team morale if they never see each other?

Our business experts are on hand for any help you need during these unprecedented times. Please get in touch and we'll give you a call to discuss your needs.