The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for office workplaces. The most obvious one is the fear of infection. Many people are now wary of returning to the office, even after a post-COVID period.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many workplaces to adapt to drastic changes in the work environment around the world. This has led to confusion and speculation about what is allowed and what isn’t.
Despite the changes in the previous years in relevance to new technologies and digitisation, the abrupt changes of the pandemic require steep learning. The fear of COVID has many people second-guessing their decisions, and some opt not to return to work.
Workplace policies are regularly changing as we try to find the right way to keep employees safe while maintaining a sense of normality. COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause uncertainty; we want to help by sharing some tips on how you can create a COVID-free workplace.
The risk associated with the virus in an office workplace
Creating a COVID-free workplace starts with understanding the risks associated with the virus and taking the necessary precautions to mitigate those risks. There are three main risk factors to consider:
Surface Contamination
The most obvious way to contract COVID-19 is through contact with contaminated surfaces. Door handles, countertops, light switches, phones, keyboards, mice, and surfaces in the break room or any frequently used area can cause COVID-19 infection.
Airborne transmission
COVID-19, primarily an airborne virus, can spread through coughing, sneezing or even talking. Airborne transmission is the most common way the virus is spread in office workplaces.
Close Contact
COVID-19 can be spread through close contact with an infected person, even if that person is not showing symptoms. Close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for a prolonged period.
Things to do to make your office COVID free
Get vaccinated
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective, and it is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. Getting vaccinated will help to keep you and your workplace safe.
Space your desks apart where possible
When possible, try to separate your desks to minimise the risk of contact with other employees. This will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the office. Minimising contact with other employees can help keep yourself and your coworkers safe. The minimum distance should be six feet.
Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces
Be sure to wipe down frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, countertops, light switches, phones, keyboards, and mice. Use disinfectant wipes that are effective against COVID-19. The best disinfectant against COVID-19 is 70% alcohol.
Encourage employees to wear masks
Wearing a mask is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is essential to encourage your employees to wear masks in the office, especially if they are in close contact with other employees. Wearing a mask will help to protect yourself and others.
Provide masks and gloves
Provide employees with masks and gloves to wear in the office. It is important to remember that not all masks are created equal. The best masks to protect against COVID-19 are N95 masks. Masks are most effective when they are worn correctly. They should fit snugly against the face, and the straps should be tightened, so they do not slip off. Masks should be replaced every four hours, or sooner if they become wet or dirty. This will help to protect them from coming into contact with the virus.
Promote social distancing
Encourage employees to maintain a distance of six feet from other employees. Some preliminary research suggests that social distancing can effectively slow the virus’s spread. For example, a study from China showed that implementing social distancing measures was associated with a decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases.
The study found that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was highest for people who closely interacted with others, such as those in the food service industry. Therefore, it is essential to promote social distancing in the workplace.
Increase ventilation in the office
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of COVID-19 is to increase ventilation in the office. This can be done by opening windows or using fans. Increased ventilation will help to remove any airborne contaminants from the office and help to keep employees healthy.
Encourage employees to stay home if they are sick
If an employee is sick, they must stay home and away from other employees. Employees should be encouraged to stay home if they are sick, even if they are only mildly ill. Ask them to take the COVID-19 test if possible. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace.
Encourage employees to work from home
Working from home is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the office. It is vital to encourage employees to work from home if they are feeling sick or in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Working from home will help keep employees healthy and minimise the virus’s risk.
Avoid visitors in the office
It is important to remember that not all visitors are a risk for the spread of COVID-19. However, visitors can still pose a risk if they do not follow the recommended guidelines to prevent the virus’s spread.
Visitors can simply bring infection to the office by sneezing and coughing without covering their mouth or nose. To avoid this, it is best to prevent visitors in the office until the risk of COVID-19 has been reduced.
Sanitise the office regularly
The importance of sanitisation cannot be overstated. Sanitising the office regularly will help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in the workplace. Sanitising can be done with various products, such as disinfectant wipes, spray, or household bleach. It is vital to ensure that all surfaces are sanitised, including desks, phones, keyboards, and doorknobs. Sanitising will help keep employees healthy and minimise the virus’s risk.
Hire a commercial cleaning company
It is challenging for office managers to remember all the above tasks and do them perfectly daily. Another solution is to hire a commercial cleaning company. A commercial cleaning company will have the necessary equipment and supplies to sanitise the office thoroughly and on a regular basis.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at Cleanology.com if you have any questions about how we can help you to keep your office clean and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hire the best office cleaners for your need!
