If your business is still operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, that is a plus for you and your employees, since many others have closed temporarily or permanently. But you must do all you can to protect your workers from exposure to the virus. In addition to the standard safeguards of masking, social distancing, and handwashing, here are some extra ways you can protect your employees.
Protective Gear
Most employees are expected to provide their own masks. Some wear temporary ones made of paper while others use the dual-fold fabric masks that allegedly provide greater protection. For added safety, you may want to keep sneeze shields on hand for people who work in the same department or who may sneeze or cough due to allergies rather than COVID. Keep them available in accessible areas where employees can grab one if needed. They are relatively affordable and can help workers to feel better protected while on the job.
Cleaning Supplies
You probably have a maintenance crew that cleans the office or factory on a regular basis. However, since COVID spreads from human contact via air droplets or by settling on shared surfaces during the work day, it might help to keep antibacterial cleaning supplies in each department where employees can sanitize workspace as needed when they feel that there may be increased risk of COVID exposure. Sanitizing soap and some cleaning cloths as well as individual alcohol or chlorine wipes enables your employees to maintain a safe working environment.
Flexible Workspace
If your company has designated work areas, offices, or desks that are in close proximity to each other, reconfigure the workspace to keep everyone twelve feet or more apart. Employees who are at greater risk of catching COVID or experiencing severe symptoms could be offered an isolated work area or one that is well ventilated with significant distance from other employees and little to no foot traffic through the area. Those who are able to do their jobs at home might appreciate that option even temporarily.
Adjustable Scheduling
When everyone must be in the building to do their jobs, consider adopting adjustable scheduling if that works for your employees. Based on equipment needs and staffing hours, you may be able to work out a three- or four-day week with longer hours rather than the conventional five-day week. You might break up the day schedule for everyone into half the employees coming in by day and the other half at night. Another possibility is to have employees that can work offsite to do their work from home part-time when feasible.
Your employees will appreciate extra efforts like these and likely respond with loyalty and extended efforts to make a difficult situation more of a win-win for all.
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