Follow these 8 tips for a healthier, better-protected, well-prepared workforce
With conferences and events getting cancelled and novel coronavirus COVID-19 spreading to more states and communities, employers need to act now in order to maintain health, peace of mind, and productivity for their workforces. Some planning now can help you mitigate the risk of exposure while still keeping your company running strong.
UG2 offers these tips on how your company can be proactive:
1. Focus on social distancing
This is the buzz phrase of the moment and for good reason. The more people there are in a space, the higher the risk that coronavirus can spread. That’s why we’re seeing sporting events without attendees, cancelled events, and the Pope conducting Mass through Skype. But social distancing can be useful and achievable in the workplace, too. Consider using teleconferencing via technology like Zoom, Skype, and Slack instead of having in-person meetings, and limit or cancel company events to mitigate exposure.
2. Limit non-essential travel
Another important tactic when it comes to social distancing is cutting down—or even cutting out—travel (for now). Even though the coronavirus hasn’t (as of this writing) hit every state yet, health experts are already advising that people should travel only when necessary and to avoid being around large groups of people. Also, there is a possibility that some areas may go under quarantine if the situation worsens. You don’t want your employees stuck for weeks, or even months, away from home—only to come back and face additional weeks of quarantine because of their travels.
3. Encourage working remotely
Particularly for those who may be at higher risk—older employees and those with chronic illnesses that affect their immune systems—being able to continue working safely is crucial. Employers should be thinking about how to set up workflows that utilize technology like shared online documents, instant messaging, and video conferencing. This is also a good way to be proactive when it comes to potential school closings, which is already happening in certain U.S. locations. Check with your technology team to ensure that you can put secure network resources into place to support the workload of the entire company if all employees are told to work remotely. It may not come to that, but you want to be prepared if it does.
4. Make disinfectant wipes available
Shared spaces should be kept cleaner than ever at this time. Have disinfectant wipes handy can prompt employees to use them more often. For instance, place some wipes in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as other common areas like conference rooms. Also let employees know that it’s important to keep workspaces clean, whether that means desktops, the handles of warehouse loading equipment, or inside the cabs of delivery trucks.
5. Promote healthy habits
Although many of the current coronavirus strategies are short-term solutions, some experts are noting that those with less-than-ideal health habits, like smoking, may be at higher risk for infection. As part of your prevention plan, emphasize that keeping your immune system strong means not just frequent hand washing (although that’s crucial), but also eating fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and lowering tobacco and alcohol use.
6. Prep for staying home sick
It is important to tell employees is that they should stay home if they’re sick. This is relevant not just for coronavirus, but also for flu season, which is still in full force. Encourage employees to prepare in advance if this should happen, so they don’t have to run out to the grocery, pharmacy, and other locations when they may be contagious. Help them set up technology resources they may need, and suggesting having enough food, water, pet supplies, and medication on hand for at least 30 days.
7. Look at your policies
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that employers revisit their sick leave policies and ensure that they are flexible enough to allow any sick employee to stay home. The CDC also advises that companies not require a healthcare provider’s note for return to work, since doctors’ offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide documentation in a timely manner. Also, that policy may expose employees to illness unnecessarily.
8. Increase cleaning procedures
Even if you have a cleaning plan in place, you may want to consider additional cleaning services that can provide more extensive disinfection. Talk with your UG2 contact to ask about what’s available.
The CDC emphasizes that the best strategy for employers is to “plan, prepare, and respond” to COVID-19, which includes staying on top of ongoing developments. Know what’s happening in your area, and let employees know that you’re there to support them.