Many businesses are reopening their doors following prolonged closures during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Meanwhile, you want to return to work as soon as possible. To achieve your goal, you need a plan that ensures you are protected against COVID-19 at work.
There are several things you need to do to ensure you are safe to return to work during the pandemic, including:
- Keep Your Workspace Clean
Disinfect your workspace. Perform a deep clean of your workspace to eliminate germs, viruses, and other pathogens.
Following a deep clean of your workspace, make a plan to keep your work area free of contaminants. Keep hand sanitizer, hand soap, disinfectant wipes, and other cleaning supplies on hand and use them as frequently as possible. Also, wash your hands with soap and water regularly throughout the workday, sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow, and practice good hygiene at work.
- Watch for Signs of a COVID-19 Infection
Do not enter your workspace if you or one of your close contacts was recently exposed to COVID-19. Also, you should not come to work if you display any symptoms of a COVID-19 infection.
If you show signs of a COVID-19 infection at work, notify your manager and go home immediately. You should undergo testing to verify if you are dealing with COVID-19 and remain quarantined until your symptoms subside.
- Plan for Social Distancing
Maintain at least 6 ft. of physical distance from others at all times at work. Wear a face mask throughout the day as well.
When necessary, host remote work meetings to keep in contact with peers and superiors. If in-person meetings are held at work, avoid large gatherings, and continue to practice social distancing.
- EmbraceMental Health Support
Come forward with any concerns or questions about returning to work during the pandemic. Remember, the “new normal” of the pandemic can cause stress and anxiety about returning to work. If stress and anxiety become too much to handle, meet with your manager to discuss your concerns.
If your employer offers mental health days, take advantage of them as needed. Furthermore, you can ask your manager if any mental health tools or resources are available to assist you during the pandemic. You can also meet with a doctor to explore safe, healthy ways to cope with mental health issues at work.
Prepare to Work During the New Normal
The pandemic has created challenges for businesses of all sizes and across all industries. As your company gets ready to bring its staff back on-site during the pandemic, use the tips mentioned above to ensure that you can work safely during this unprecedented period.
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