Heading back to the office? Here’s how to keep your employees healthy amid COVID-19

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The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had significant, long-lasting effects on the global business sector. Organizations all around the world were impacted by the crisis, forcing federal governments to formulate support schemes to get them through these trying times. Even with such assistance, businesses have had to adapt to an extremely tumultuous market, with troubling insolvency figures and an overall sense of uncertainty weighing over them.
Despite these hurdles, many businesses have managed to sustain their operations throughout the pandemic. While workers have predominantly been asked to work remotely, certain companies are beginning to transition back into the office space. If you are currently navigating this transition with your own company, it’s essential to do everything in your power to keep your employees healthy upon their return. Below are three ways you can do exactly that.
1. Keep them hydrated
Hydration is key in maintaining good physical health and wellbeing. Drinking enough fluids every day helps to maintain the function of every single system in the human body, including the heart, brain, and muscles.
With this in mind, make sure your employees have access to plenty of water when they return to the office. A great way to meet your workers’ hydration needs is to set up a water cooler (or several depending on the size of your office and your staff). Water coolers, such as those offered by companies like Cooler Sense, are excellent because they dispense filtered, chilled water, which means your employees are getting the cleanest and freshest water possible.
2. Create opportunities for socialization
After several months of quarantine and social distancing, your staff members’ mental health may have been negatively impacted due to a lack of socialization. Social isolation, which is characterized by reduced social connections and contact, often creates deep feelings of disconnection and loneliness, which can lead to depressive symptoms.
In an effort to mitigate these adverse feelings, create opportunities for your employees to socialize and collaborate with one another upon re-entering the office. Whether it is opting for an open concept office, having communal lunches, or holding daily catch-up meetings, prioritizing socialization upon the return to the office will boost your employees’ mental wellness. Be sure to choose activities that abide by your region’s recommended infection prevention and control measures.
3. Provide proper hygiene resources
Another crucial practice you will need to follow to ensure your employees’ health in the office is ensuring they have adequate access to proper hygiene resources. Make sure the office is prepped with hand sanitizer stations and face masks should workers wish to wear them. It’s also essential to keep all restrooms stocked with hand soap, and add signage promoting proper handwashing techniques.
If you are re-opening your office doors amid COVID-19, there are certain steps you must follow to maintain your employees’ health and wellbeing. In promoting proper hydration, boosting socialization, and supplying the necessary hygiene products, you will not only safeguard your workers’ physical health but their mental health as well.