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Employee Safety At Your Workplace
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is a little skeptical about what to expect once they resume work. While social distancing is the norm these days, maintaining it at the workplace will be vital and quite a bit of a challenge.
Upon resuming work, employees will notice fewer chairs and desks in each aisle. There will be a distance of at least 6 feet between two employees. They will also be signs in and around the workplace and employees will be expected to follow these signs when they walk around, just like at a supermarket. Sanitizers, masks, and wipes will also be provided to everyone to maintain the highest level of hygiene.
Sanjay Rishi, CEO of JLL's corporate solution in America, said that "From a perspective of expenditure, this is something that will take a toll on most corporate giants. However, these expenses can be managed relatively well if they are sourced correctly."
Businesses may need to open offices with only a small percentage of employees resuming work. This will enable social distancing and while the business will not completely function, there will be some revenue generated. According to experts, businesses will begin with about 50% of employees resuming work, while the rest will continue to work from home.
There is no denying that there may be a prolonged or perhaps a permanent change in the schedule of employees. They will likely either need to work in rotational shifts or log in from home. Employers will also need to gear up for some major expenses before employees resume work. This includes the sanitization of the workplace before anyone can begin working there. It should also be mandatory that the workplace is sanitized and cleaned regularly to give employees a safe and clean environment to work. The former CEO of Cushman and Wakefield, Jim Underhill, said that the employers need to show the employees that they care by providing them with a well-sanitized environment.
According to Eddie Wagner, the digital chief innovation officer and the executive director from JLL Technologies, the introduction of experience apps is something that a few organizations are planning to institute. Kate Wieczorek, workplace strategy manager at Ted Moudis Associates located in New York City, has stated that a few large companies are also arranging for cleaners that can come in and clean the workplace approximately 30 minutes before their staff clocks in. This enables the employees to smell the freshness and be assured that their employers care about their safety. Most of these companies also arrange for cleanliness operations during off-hours.
While sanitization can get expensive, especially when it involves new technology, this is something that a lot of companies are not taking lightly. The introduction of no contact doors and faucets, zero contact in cafeterias, and other such initiatives cost approximately $1000 each. Most of the companies already have these systems in place; however, the health concerns among employees may result in accelerated demand for more systems. This is according to Brian Murphy, who is the CEO of Breather, a flexible office that is based in New York City.
Apart from the above, there are also structural changes that will be needed, such as replacement of the old heating system, the ventilation and air conditioning systems, and other initiatives that will provide for cleaner air for employees. All of this can cost in excess of $10,000. However, if left unattended, they could pose a serious health risk. According to Adam Poviltz, Anago cleaning systems CEO and President, "Customers are no longer looking for the cheapest cleaning solutions out there. They just want to have the healthiest work environment.”
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