The challenge businesses face regarding the progression of COVID-19 is complicated by uncertainties, obscuring its effect on the social, cultural, and financial aspects of running a business. From the weeks of lockdown to the eventual re-opening of most businesses, executives are required to rapidly cope with the changes and their unforeseen consequences and be ready to change course within a short window of time. Just like the changes to economic activity, fast-changing cultural norms, and societal values and behaviors; reopening needs strategies of reinvention, not just a return to normal. However, reopening priorities are people’s safety, agile operations, and automation.
The biggest priority of a business owner while reopening is maintaining workplace safety. There should be policies set in place to protect workers, clients, and visitors, and to ensure social distancing is implemented. Simple steps can be taken to ensure proper physical distancing, such; an evaluation of the floor plan to determine how to create adequate physical distancing between employees and clients/visitors, and marking a flow path within work areas and elevators. Additionally, some measures must be taken to protect workers and visitors:
Worker Safety
- Employees can be scheduled in rotational shifts to lower the number of employees at the facility at operating hours. And Continue performing as many tasks as possible remotely.
- Provide necessary PPE (e.g., masks, face shields, gloves, soap, hand sanitizers, etc.)
- Increase facility cleaning and disinfection (before, during and after operating hours).
- Reduce workstation and equipment sharing.
- Post reminders of good hygiene practices workers must do while at the facility (e.g., washing hands, sneezing and coughing into the elbow).
Visitor Safety
- Ask clients and vendors to wear masks before allowing them into the facility.
- Avoid all physical contact and maintain a safe distance among clients/visitors and employees.
- Provide sanitation stations and encourage their use.
- Install no-touch payment options.
- Limit the number of clients/visitors allowed to enter the facility at any one time.
Check OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
The current situation presents an opportunity for businesses to develop more agile strategies that can easily adapt to the changing circumstances and the uncertainties they hold. Businesses are now reopening the business components that generate revenue and navigating options that can fuel additional growth. The digitization of business operations and work processes have now become a necessity for businesses to navigate current events without major losses.
