With the coronavirus pandemic dominating headlines, and the talks of the lockdown being eased, you may have begun to think about the return to normal for your business.
Just as the government will be putting together a plan for returning things to a state of normalcy, you should also think about your own exit plan for your business.
Below are some things you may want to consider when a return to work is given the green light.
Making sure your place of work respects social distancing
One of the most important rules for social distancing in the workplace is the two-metre rule: keeping two metres between colleagues and any other staff they may work with.
Whether this requires an overhaul of your current office set up, screens or panels and making hand sanitiser and other hygiene products available in every room, the utmost should be done to make it safe for your staff and colleagues.
Face to face meetings should be kept to a minimum, offices should be well ventilated and communal areas should be kept disinfected after use.
If need be, it might be worth having some of the workforce continuing to work from home if safe to do so, bringing in a rota for when staff members can work from home or in the office so that there are reduced staff members on the premises at one time.
Allowing flexible working
If you have staff members that are at high risk or don’t feel comfortable working in the office it is worth discussing a flexible working pattern. Whether this means a few days of remote working and a few days being in office, to minimise the amount of presence that staff member has in the office.
For those that aren’t able to work remotely, finding a professional and safe serviced office suite for individual staff members is a simple and easy solution. At The Workstation we have several office suites with flexible layouts, to provide flexible working for those who need it.
Listening to your staff members needs
It’s been an incredibly scary time for a large number of people. And although there is a workforce out there that are impatient and eager to get back to work, the health of your staff and colleagues should be at the forefront of your exit plan.
Making sure you touch base with them, discuss their needs and plan their return to work, taking on board their thoughts and needs in the process.
The return to ‘normal’ may be a gradual and slow one, but we’re confident that with the help of flexible working businesses with being able to remain open as usual, embracing a different way of working and letting go of the strict and tired 9-5 routine.
“As people, systems and organisations get accustomed to remote working it is likely that 100% office-based working will be a thing of the past.”