Back to work: Prepare the return of your employees well
We are optimistic that many employees will return from their home-office to their normal workplace within the next two to three weeks. But even then, certain safety precautions must still be taken. Because the danger of the corona virus has not been averted by then and the risk of infection is still present. What employers can do to make their employees feel safe.
Corona virus pandemic will continue for months
The fear of an infection with the corona virus will keep us busy for some time. According to experts, there is no final certainty until a vaccine has been developed. And it could be several months before then. But the current state of emergency cannot be maintained for that long.
Scientists and politicians are currently working on an exit-strategy. The aim is to gradually ease the existing restrictions in the world of work. According to press reports, initially retail trade and restaurants and, in some regions, schools are to reopen. Larger events and celebrations, however, remain prohibited for the time being. On the other hand, individual sectors of the economy could also resume operations without much customer contact.
Social Distancing still a must
However, even then social distancing in offices will still be important to reduce the spread of the corona virus. To achieve this, desks must be moved further apart. And in meeting rooms, the corridor and the cafeteria, too, it is important to keep your distance.
In addition, more stringent safety and hygiene regulations will play a major role when returning to work. Because germs spread more easily in closed rooms than in the fresh air. They are viable here for longer.
But even if employees deliberately keep their distance, they can still become infected. Germs are transferred to surfaces by touch, where they survive for several hours or days until they have found a new human host. Only a sick employee who does not pay attention to proper hand hygiene can easily spread a pathogen in this way throughout the work environment.
Setting up hand hygiene systems
However, various studies have shown that the installation of hand hygiene systems in office buildings can effectively break the chain of infection. Additionally, posters that point out the importance of regular hand disinfection also have an effect.
Furthermore, hand hygiene wipes can be placed on the desks of employees. With these they can disinfect their hands in between, but also wipe the desk and keyboard or computer mouse from time to time.
To help employers keep their office environment clean during these highly infectious times, we have put together a PURELL-Corona range and also offer numerous downloads: Posters and checklists for example. And get our recommendations where to place dispenser systems and hygiene products in offices in the best possible way here.
Stay healthy!
