Your staff might be anxious returning to work during a pandemic. There are provisions you can take to help them feel more reassured.

Adequate PPE

Businesses are required to provide face coverings for their staff working in retail settings and on public transport. You are allowed to use your own if you prefer, but staff should have them available for them to use.

Air Cleaners

Another option to consider and one that is growing in popularity is installing Virus Free Air Cleaners in your business. My husband works in a doctors surgery so I think one of these would help the staff feel happier they are working in a safe environment. Especially as they are in a place you expect viruses to turn up, floating around waiting to pounce on someone!

He keeps a tight handle on cleaning and checking temperatures of staff and patients. However, you can never be too careful. An air cleaner will reduce the airborne viral load and in turn the risk of infection. It will take away some of the fear of having to work during a pandemic.

Leaving Windows Open

It is recommended that windows are left open but when winter returns that isn’t always practical. Fresh air reduces the risk of coronavirus as it stops the recirculation of the air already in the room which might have airborne viruses.

Regular Testing

It is important to test for COVID regularly. It can pick up on issues earlier and keep the staff protected in the workplace. Not everyone with COVID will show symptoms so this is the only accurate way to manage infection. Staff who get a positive test can then isolate immediately protecting the other staff.

Cleaning And Disinfecting

You should prioritize cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces such as door handles, counter tops and touch screens. They think that the virus can be viable for up to 72 hours on plastic surfaces, so a thorough cleaning regime is essential.

Hand Hygiene

Make sure staff have access to hand washing facilities. Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect against COVID-19. You should do this routinely throughout the day, especially on arrival. But also, when you cough or sneeze and before eating your lunch.

Social Distancing

Following social distancing regulations should be part of your work risk assessment. Make sure you have enough signs up in the workplace to remind your staff.

Hopefully by following these suggestions staff will feel more confident to return to work. It is hard to leave the relative safety of home to go back into the workplace. However you can stay safe at work in a pandemic with a little thought and preparation.