The past year saw a global change in the way we all interacted with one another. Many. Businesses were forced to come up with new ways to provide their services and keep their staff working, without the use of their usual workspace. For over a year, many businesses had their team working from home while their offices and facilities were temporarily closed. As more businesses begin to open up and people start resuming their regular day to day activities at their place of work, we need to ensure that these workspaces are prepared to not only welcome back clients and guests, but that all team members are comfortable and safe at work.
If you are preparing your workspace to welcome back staff and clients, here are some of the measures you can take to get your business ready for a smooth return to work.
1. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
More than just dust will have accumulated on most of the surfaces in your workspace, bacteria and germs may have also spread, especially if there hasn’t been anyone cleaning your work environment over the past few months. Cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces with the proper industrial cleaning supplies will reduce contaminants that can affect the health of your staff and clients when your daily operation resumes.
2. Stock up on Cleaning and Safety Supplies
No matter if your workplace has been closed for a few months or for a year plus, chances are that many of the day to day industrial cleaning supplies, safety supplies and personal supplies that are required to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable at work will need to be restocked. Some of these items include; general cleaners, disinfectant wipes, antibacterial hand soap, hand sanitizer and PPE such as facemasks and shields for staff and guests.
3. Clean Storage Spaces
Storage rooms are great for keeping items that are not needed on a regular basis out of the way. However, storage spaces tend to be dirtier than the other facility spaces as they are not used very often, they can also be a perfect breeding space for pests and rodents. When preparing to return to work, do not overlook under used spaces, such as storage rooms as they can lead to potential health and safety issues.
4. Ventilation and Air Quality
The air quality inside your facility is important as it contributes positively to the health and safety of your team. Replacing air filters and ensuring all air vents are open and unobstructed will help ensure adequate ventilation and air to flow. Having live plants around your workspace can also help improve air quality.
5. Provide Handwashing and Sanitization Stations
Having designated handwashing stations and hand sanitizer stations in strategically placed areas around your workplace will encourage people to wash and sanitize their hands regularly. This will assist with reducing the spread of germs and bacteria throughout your workplace, especially in high traffic areas.
6. Safety Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations should be put in place to protect the health and safety of everyone in the workplace. This should include keeping personal workspaces tidy, as well as the number of people allowed in specific areas and rooms in your facility.
Preparing your workspace for a safe and successful return to work is important as it helps ensure that your team is comfortable and safe returning to work, which can positively impact everyone’s productivity.
