Back to work? During a pandemic? Here’s how!

Going back to work after days of R&R is always difficult and the level just reached a new standard during the Covid19 pandemic. There will not only be new protocols but also different guidelines to follow. The virus not only changed the course of life but also the course of professional work all around the globe.

However don’t worry, we have compiled a guide on how to work effectively and be safe! Swipe up for more information!

Altered Mindset:

Before you don your suit and grab that dossier, make sure you give yourself a pep talk first thing in the morning. Everything will be different, there will be new sets of rules and extra tough protocols that you must follow. Remember, your old routine doesn’t exist anymore. New problems will arise regarding contact and communication but you need to overcome them all.

Safety Precautions:

Covid19 cases are on the rise but if you must work there are some specific rules you need to follow in order to be safe and keep others safe from the virus. This is the holy grail against Covid19!

1.  Covid19 symptoms:

If you have abnormal symptoms like:

• Cough
• Fever
• Breathing difficulty

It is better if you pop a pill and wait for your symptoms to leave before heading to work. This will not only keep you away from further infections but also your coworkers from getting affected.

You must responsibly call in sick even if you feel a bit off or under the weather, do not risk your and others lives by being careless. Get tested if symptoms worsen and the period until the test results, self-isolate yourself!

Ban going to all social gatherings including meetings and office parties if you suspect something peculiar with your symptoms!

2. Asymptomatic Carriers:

Often times one can be a carrier of the virus without showing symptoms however they can infect others. Keeping this in mind it is advisable to not only follow all precautions as listed below but also avoid all social interaction, maintain a distance and always wear protective gear.

3. Hand washing frequently:

Soap and sanitisers are extremely effective in destroying the outer layer of the virus. Lather on and wash your hands as if you just ate jalapeños and then need to put in contacts. Always keep a bottle of alcohol-based sanitiser handy to whip out after any contact with possibly contaminated surfaces.

Wash your hands as frequently as possible and for up to 30 seconds and dry them to rid of all possible virus traces.

4. Maintain Distance:

All meetings must be kept via online platforms unless absolutely necessary to meet in person. Be fluid and go the extra mile to absolutely avoid in-person meetings.

Limit all interactions to your screens!

Also while greeting somebody, avoid all contact and maintain a distance of 6ft. No hugs and no handshakes! Also wear a mask to avoid possible contamination through particles.

5. Disinfect surfaces:

Wipe down all worktops and surfaces with disinfectants to get rid of all germs and possible viruses which can survive for longer periods on metal and steel.

You must wipe down before starting work and after working to be as safe as possible. If you need to pass something to a colleague make sure to disinfect that as well as when accepting something.

It is advisable to wear good quality gloves to all together avoid the constant wiping !

6. Compile a directory:

Question your workforce and compile a list of people most vulnerable to being infected by Covid19 this includes:

• Elder people
• People with respiratory diseases
• People with immunity problems

Everyone with serious health issues is also at a higher risk for catching the virus.

Alert your workforce to stay away from such people if you suspect you carry the virus as such people are most susceptible to acquiring and possibly being adversely affected by the virus.

7. Time Management:

Manage effectively to minimise time spent with other colleagues. Do not contact them unless absolutely necessary and then also avoid being close with each other.

Discuss alternative methods to communicate such as the old fashioned pagers or mobile phones! Shout if you must but do not get close to another person!

8. Workplace sanitation:

Appoint staff to constantly clean and sanitise the workplace including surfaces and floors. Invest in protective gear and clothing. Also stock up on hygiene products such as disinfectants and wipes to ensure maximum protection.

Allot hourly cleaning of all items and hand-washing drills.

Compromise:

Times have changed and rules have as well. You must understand compromise is a must. Meetings will be delayed, assignments may not be delivered on time and people will call in sick a lot! You must be understanding and compassionate.

Do not question other people’s right to protect themselves against the virus and respect their boundaries! Do not urge them to avoid precautions and socialise if they don’t wish to do so!

Evolve: 

Modern problems require modern solutions! Drop the archaic methods and develop tactical strategies to tackle all issues that will certainly rise with the onset of the pandemic. Resolve all communication gaps, increase productivity and always prioritise health over work!

Be considerate:

A pandemic means that the virus has cause global riots and chaos, do not think you’re suffering this alone. There are millions that are affected by this terrible virus and so you must be considerate and flexible with things such as employee demeanour, absences and deadlines.

Conclusion:

To wrap it up, returning to work after such a long break will be chaotic to say the least. Everything will spiral out of control and be disastrous and employees will struggle to adjust to the new rules and regulations.

Give it time, allow mistakes and eventually everything will come together !

We hope this article highlighted and solved some of your problems if not all of them, if there are still some issues, checkout this article: How to safely get back to work

Stay informed, Stay safe!