This year has been challenging for us all, with all of the twists and turns that have come from the pandemic. Many of us had to quickly adapt to working from home at very short notice. In fact, as of the summer of 2020, more than four in 10 U.S. workers were working from home full-time – a sign of just how rapidly and profoundly COVID-19 altered the world of work.
As we move swiftly towards 2021, workers are starting to find the light at the end of the tunnel, with many transitioning back into the traditional workplace. Remote workers and returning workers alike have been beginning to work onsite again, signaling the start of what could be a new normal.
Although this might be the case, this does not mean the virus has gone away. As we return to work, or continue on as normal, it is important to continue doing what we can to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. You can click here to learn more about 2021 working from home statistics and in the meantime here are a few ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Workplace Testing
Regular workplace testing can help you to catch any potential outbreaks, and to act quickly to minimize the risk to others. Use a reliable track and trace software to ensure the most accurate results. Alternately, you could get corporate PCR testing in LA and other US cities. These tests can be administered onsite at your office by medical professionals. They are most effective when performed on an ongoing basis to help catch an outbreak before it has the chance to spread.
By testing in the workplace, you can also figure out how to best support your workforce. Results and their data can indicate to you where safety measures may need to be improved, while allowing you to catch the virus early and reduce the spread. It can also demonstrate to your workforce that you are making their health a priority.
Social Distancing
In the same way as you would socially distance in a public place, you should also try to social distance at work. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises us to maintain at least a one-meter distance between ourselves and others when indoors.
Of course, this isn’t always possible, which is why infrastructure may also need to be put in place, such as screens or visors that could further minimize risk.
Wear A Mask Or Face Covering
Having a mask policy can drastically reduce the potential for the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Masks can help to protect not only the wearer of the mask, but also those around them from catching the virus. Masks or face coverings can be even more successful if all parties wear them.
Remember that even if you feel fine, you might be an asymptomatic carrier of the coronavirus. Wearing a mask or face covering could therefore still help to prevent you from accidentally spreading the virus.
Encourage Sanitization Practices
Remember that time when all the governments kept telling us to wash our hands? The importance of that message hasn’t changed. You should encourage everyone at your organization to adhere to strict hygiene practices such as regular hand washing and the sanitization of workspaces. This is even more relevant in customer-facing roles and for offices that hot-desk.
Although it is a moral and health requirement for actions to be implemented preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, this might not be a legal requirement everywhere. Nonetheless, the coronavirus is still circulating and remains very serious.
Throughout this difficult time, it is paramount that everyone works together, being considerate of those around them in order to protect the health of both workplaces and their wider communities.
*collaborative post
