As businesses begin the process of opening their offices or exploring the possibility of opening offices post-COVID-19, they will need to incorporate several factors into their processes and procedures for adjusting to the “new normal”. Many will follow the CDC-mandated guidelines and make modifications or enhancements based on the type of business and set up they have, and all will need to ask their employees to be flexible as they adapt and start to ramp back up.
These are 11 of the post-COVID-19 workplace trends and requirements we will likely see:
- Many will start with bringing back those employees who have their own separate offices and can be isolated and wait until things further calm down to bring back those in cubes or shared spaces.
- Businesses will take temperatures at the door before allowing entry.
- Alternating employee days/times. Many offices are splitting their team’s time with some working two days per week in the office, the others working three days per week in the office.
- Offices will provide masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves to personnel as appropriate.
- They will space out desks and cubes differently than before with more space in between.
- Companies, especially those with a large number of employees, will require them to wear masks while they are in the office, especially in common areas such as restrooms, cafeterias, entrances, elevators, etc.
- They will require a 6’ separation between employees whenever possible with set times for them to visit common areas as feasible.
- Businesses will request that employees bring their own lunches whenever possible and offer grab ‘n and go cafeteria options only without allowing them to sit and stay in the cafeteria.
- Companies will keep a lot of the workforce, especially those who do not need to travel to conduct business, fully remote or at least partially remote, like Twitter is doing.
- They will not have traditional meetings in conference rooms and instead will have employees conference or video conference into meetings.
- There will be restricted access/removal of items that have a higher probability of cross-contamination, such as water fountains and gyms.
Managers will need to lead by example and follow through with the guidelines set as everyone adjusts to the new normal.
How can TRC help your business and your employees navigate your “new normal”? If your team is looking for additional professional team members or support and resources, please contact the TRC Staffing Services team today.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/hodfleishman/2020/05/13/twitter-cements-covid-19-remote-workingshould-you-do-the-same/#3d9baf5a8e68