Frequent Questions Employees Ask About Going Back to Work

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led many to shut down or allow their employees to work remotely temporarily. However, cities and towns are reopening nationwide, and companies are gradually letting their employees return to work.

Many employees have questions about how to safely go back to work during the COVID-19 crisis — and rightfully so. Meanwhile, companies who prepare for these questions can help their employees feel safe and comfortable as they resume their everyday roles.

Here are four questions that employees may ask about returning to work — and how you can respond to these questions.

1. Is it safe to return to business as usual?

The coronavirus pandemic requires businesses to adjust their everyday operations to accommodate new health and safety requirements. So, your company must allocate time and resources to create a safe work environment that helps slow the spread of COVID-19.

Going forward, workers should only be allowed to come into a workspace if it complies with CDC guidelines. Your workplace must ensure that workers can social distance and maintain at least 6 ft. of physical space from one another at all times. Additionally, you must limit the number of employees at work throughout the day.

2. Do I need to wear a face mask?

Requiring employees to wear a face mask is a must, regardless of your business’ size or industry. A cloth face covering may help reduce the spread of COVID-19, as well as minimize the risk that a worker inadvertently infects a colleague with the coronavirus or gets infected by the virus.

When it comes to face masks, it helps to educate workers about them. Ensure each worker has a cloth face covering that can be worn during the day. You can also provide your employees with disposable face masks that they can wear while they work.

3. Do I need to get tested for the coronavirus before I return to work?

People who experience a fever, trouble breathing, or other coronavirus symptoms should get tested immediately, regardless of whether they plan to return to work. COVID-19 symptoms may appear within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus and range in terms of severity.

With the coronavirus, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If employees are concerned that they have been infected with the virus or recently came into close contact with someone infected by it, these workers should get tested.

4. Can I continue to work from home?

It may be beneficial to continue to let employees work from home until they feel comfortable returning to work. This helps build goodwill with employees and shows them you care about their health and wellbeing.

If employees can safely return to work, you can encourage them to do so. Over time, your employees may become comfortable once again performing work tasks in a traditional workspace.

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Accurate Staffing is proud to help businesses in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia identify top talent to fill roles during the coronavirus pandemic. To learn more, please contact us today.

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