A mere six weeks after businesses around the country closed their doors or shifted to working remotely, many are now planning for what is needed to safely return and what returning to work will actually be like.
Safety First – Social Distancing
First and foremost is safety – ensure that worksites are professionally cleaned before employees return. Provide masks, hand sanitizers and encourage employees to clean their workspace frequently. If possible, create “one way lanes” in offices and staggered times for taking breaks.
Social distancing applies to customers too, including spacing out lines or check out areas.
Create Your RTW Policy
Create Return To Work Policies that covers use of sick time, social distancing and temperature testing.
Staggered Return
Consider staggering the return by limiting the number of people back at the workplace at any one time. You could have some employees alternate days or weeks in the office so ensure safe social distancing. Determine out who wants to be in the office and who needs to be in the office.
Addressing Employee Concerns – Be Flexible
Address employee concerns about returning including from those with a lack of child care or elder care and those with underlying health conditions. If your employees have been working remotely with no issues, then consider extending it where possible.
Recalling Furloughed Employees or Re-Hiring Laid Off Employees
If you have furloughed or laid off some or all employees you will need to determine who to recall or re-hire and when. Document the objective, job related criteria used such as seniority or job performance.
Be Mindful – Plan For the Best but Prepare for the Worst
Even the best social distancing may not be enough to prevent an employee from getting sick forcing your business to close. Ensure that you have policies and procedures in place and are prepared to address a potential outbreak in the future.
Artemiste is committed to helping our clients navigate through these ever-changing HR challenges. We will continue to publish updates as they become available and are here to answer any questions during the crisis and beyond.
Discover Our Expertise - Artemiste offers a wide range of Human Resources services to help your business needs. We understand the challenges employers are facing and will work with you to ensure you have the best guidance and tools available. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation
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