Learn about these efficient ways to ensure health and safety in your office post-Covid 20th November 2021
The pandemic was emotionally challenging for everyone globally. The sudden shutdown of the world was something that no one ever saw coming or would have imagined. The office-goers had to undergo an acute struggle of adapting themselves to this drastic transition.
But, now, with successful vaccination drives and improved safety standards, the workplaces are opening again, and people have started resuming their work. However, life before the pandemic and after the pandemic are two very different situations. So, while returning to your work again, it is crucial to understand that you have to be extra careful of your office premises with robust preventive measures to avoid exposure to the virus.
This post covers all the essential health and safety measures an employee and employer needs to follow. Continue reading to get the best Covid tips for your safety in the office!
For Employers:
• Before the office re-opens, ensure that it is properly disinfected and sanitized. Consider that every office space, such as equipment, tables, chairs, stationary, and other utilities.
• Create a Covid safety plan and guidelines for all the employees to ensure they do not catch an infection.
• Ensure regular temperature screening and measurement of oxygen levels before the employees enter the office. It will help to catch early symptoms and make sure other employees are not affected.
• Make masks mandatory even indoors. It is to prevent getting in contact with the virus.
• Make both COVID vaccination mandatory for the employees. If certain employees have not taken their vaccines yet, encourage them to take the vaccine or help them in getting the required vaccination. Sometimes, in-office vaccination camps can also help employees get vaccinated in the office premises.
• During meetings, ensure that the chairs are placed at a safe distance. It is advisable not to have too many employees in one room. Similarly, cafeteria or canteen area should be sanitized and have a strict code of conduct. Avoid any large social gatherings inside the office premises.
• If an employee demands sick leave, do not encourage them to come to the office and work. Instead, make sure you plan out paid sick leaves to protect other employees’ health.
• Use technology for the best and safety measures. With all the advanced options available, try to make things as contactless as possible, including the attendance machines.
• Limit all your business travel. Businesses must follow all the deadlines and guidelines issued by the government.
• Lastly, keep all the health essentials nearby and available. These include sanitizer, tissues, masks, napkins, soap, and doctor-on-call.
For Employees:
• As an employee, you need to take care of your hygiene and avoid contact with any person.
• Use sanitizer often, even for your keys, wallets, and other personal belongings, whenever you enter the office.
• In case you feel sick, ask for sick leave. Do not be in the mindset of, "I need to go; I will miss my salary." While your salary is crucial, you could spread the virus in your office.
• After returning from work, make sure you take a bath or sanitize yourself. It helps you protect your family.
• Keep your medical insurance intact. The pandemic has pushed most of the businesses operating online with a noticeable increase in online purchases. Similarly, buying online health insurance helps you avoid visiting the insurer's office and with lower insurance premiums for your policy.
• Avoid gatherings in the office as much as possible, and make sure you use masks whenever needed. The same should be followed even if you are vaccinated.
Collective efforts can make the return to the pre-pandemic life more conveniently. With positive intent, work enthusiasm, and by adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards, businesses and employees can ensure a safe physical return to the workplace. So, get your office bags and formal ready. The good old 9 to 5 days are coming back soon.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.