How to Make Employees Feel Safe in the Workplace

Proper planning is key to the survival of your business. Eventually, employees will return to the workplace, and it is up to you to make sure they feel safe and secure. These are a few essential components that will ensure an effective plan.

Rearrange

Social distancing, along with mask-wearing, will still be necessary for the foreseeable future. If you have not already, now is a good time to rearrange your office. Desks should be six feet apart. Study your office layout to maximize the comfort of returning staff.

Encourage

It is a safe bet that employees will be taking their own precautions. Encourage them! You are in this together after all. Give them every opportunity to mask up, wipe down and wash their hands. Invest in their comfort. Set up those hand sanitizer stations, provide disinfectant wipes. Most importantly, listen to your employees. Ask them if you can do more.

Re-enforce

You may have to bring in reinforcements, in the form of chief medical officers. By hiring a chief medical officer, you will send a signal that your business is prepared for the new normal, as well as any future road bumps. There will likely be new health regulations and guidelines. With knowledgeable personnel, you can stay up-to-date and remain compliant.

Reconsider

Plenty of businesses are reconsidering the need for employees to work onsite. Older employees, or those who are predisposed to infection, can work from home while others return to the workplace. However, the option must be open to everyone. The last thing you need is resentment or complaints of unfair treatment. The future workplace may be hybrid, after all.

Obviously, human resource departments have their work cut out for them. In addition to attending to the concerns of returning employees, your company must be legally protected. With the right plan in place, you will get through this.