How Exeter businesses are responding to coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented. As the deadly virus arrives in workplaces, businesses in Exeter are responding quickly to prevent staff from spreading the infection.
Many businesses in Exeter sent staff home last week as a precautionary measure. Firms employing staff that can work from home can continue normal business operations remotely with minimal disruption. However, it’s not the same story for everyone.
From 20 March, the government issued an enforced closure on businesses that provide a public service including gyms, cinemas and casinos. The British Chamber of Commerce has also issued solutions designed to minimise job losses and the impact that would have on local communities.
Instead of sacrificing the headcount, businesses are encouraged to give employees the time to innovate, upgrade internal systems and improve skills whilst they are in self-isolation.
Businesses that are prepared to capitalise on new opportunities when employees can return to work will be in a better position to recover. This strategy will also help staff avoid mental health issues associated with boredom.
Return To The Office
Businesses in Exeter will need to resume normal operating practices to survive. And that will mean a return to the office before Covid-19 is completely eradicated or even contained.
Companies need to respond quickly to install solutions that allow members of staff to return to an office whilst maintaining a safe environment to work in. Local firms have already taken cues from China who were the first to be affected by the coronavirus at the turn of the year.
Chinese companies started inviting employees back into the office two months after the country went into lockdown. Authorities have said businesses must impose strict measures including face masks, taking the temperatures of employees several times a day and discouraging the use of public transport.
Employees are asked to fill out a daily health questionnaire using an internal app. The questions explore their mood and general health, their personal travel history and the travel history of people they live with.
The Covid-19 outbreak will almost certainly encourage Exeter companies to implement remote working policies. Telecommuting will limit the number of people in the office at any one time and enable some businesses to downsize office space and save costs on expensive overheads.
Creating A Safe Work Environment
Moving forward, businesses face a challenge to keep staff safe. Workplaces will become the new battlefront to prevent coronavirus. Employers need to create safe working environments and employees will need to adopt new ways of working.
Leading interior office designers, Office Principles said before staff are permitted to return to work, companies will need to reorganise the office layout to encourage social distancing and install green walls to improve air quality.
It has been suggested that desks are separated by at least a metre and images of shoes are taped to floors where people ordinarily congregate in packs such as lifts and queues in the staff canteen.
Other businesses are contemplating organising food deliveries for employees so they can eat alone at their desks.
