Solutions for safely navigating COVID-19
As we think about what the future of the workplace looks like, we recognize that we are part of a larger community of organizations, cities, and individuals taking immediate necessary steps to care for our wellbeing
While physical distancing may be part of our new normal, collaboration and human connection will remain more important than ever —and having a safe place to do that is essential.
That’s why enhancing your spaces and services to protect the wellbeing of your employees ensuring that they can continue working in a safe, healthy work environment is becoming a must.
Preparing for a new work environment
You can start by making space and services updates to maintain hygiene safety and physical distancing best practices in following three ways:
· Prioritizing personal space
By modifying shared spaces with staggered seating and buffer zones, teams can continue to operate in the workplaces while still maintaining a healthy physical distance from colleagues and fellow members.
· Increased sanitization
Implement heightened cleaning measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of your employees. Download Arogya Setu app as recommended by GOVERNING BODIES. Disinfect common areas more frequently and are provide complimentary sanitization products.
· Behavioral signage
New cleaning standards and capacity protocols to be reinforced with strategically-placed signage and way finding—friendly reminders to members and guests that the wellbeing of our community depends on all of us to do our part.
Enhanced standards
By heightening cleaning and hygiene standards that align with guidance provided by the CDC, WHO, and local health organizations.
This includes:
· Increased frequency and scope of daytime cleaning and sanitization
· Expanded availability of hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, alcohol sprays, and gels throughout the workspaces
· Provision of masks, gloves, and other protective equipment to Community teams and members
· Installation of touch-free soap dispensers in all restrooms and pantries
· Reduced touch points in pantries and expanded offerings of single-use cutlery, dairy products, and condiments
Elevator lobbies
The elevator lobbies should have clear signage and communications to emphasize the importance of distancing, hygiene, and sanitation—reminding employees and guests that we all have an important role in ensuring the wellbeing of our communities. Touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers should be placed at all entrances
· EVERY EMPLOYEE TO BE SCANNED
· NO ID CARD NO MASK = NO ENTRY
Reception desks
Reception desks, which serve as primary reception areas, are high traffic spaces that act as help desks for members when they need to speak to the Community Management team. To prevent overcrowding, floor stickers should be provided indicating 6’ distances to reinforce distancing guidelines. Touch-free hand sanitizer stations should also be located nearby.
Workstation areas
Workstations are the key spaces where every employee spends most of his day and unfortunately to the growing cost of real-estate also shares a lot of common space with the employee sitting next to him.
These will have to be modified with seat to seat distancing reducing occupancy
Floors should be given directional arrows to encourage people to walk clockwise, in lanes around the office, taking one way traffic avoids spread of pathogens, and the same is followed in healthcare facilities.
Every workstation to be provided with fresh placemats + sanitizer wipes on change of shift alongside complete sanitization.
If possible floors around active workstations could be marked with 6’ circle to embark recommended social distancing.
FOR OPEN LAYOUTS
FOR TRADITIONAL 5X5 OR OTHER OFFICE SETUPS
Lounge Spaces
Collaborative spaces which always have been communal focal points should be modified with seat to seat distancing reducing occupancy
(i.e., a four-person seating arrangement becomes a one to two-person setup). These modified capacity norms should be reinforced with nearby signage.
Pantries
Pantry standards should meet health and safety needs, including updates to appliances and food and beverage program. Pantries to include “light touch” solutions such as disposable cups and cutlery, touch-free soap dispensers and wipe dispensers, and seating to be modified to reduce capacity and heavy foot traffic.
Print stations
From paper to office supplies, the print station is a space used by all employees. To maintain the cleanliness of this “high touch” space, wipe dispensers, hand sanitizer, and hygiene signage should be placed at every print station.
Phone booths
Make phone booths safer and more comfortable by engaging frequent routine cleaning, throughout the day and wipe dispensers to be placed nearby, allowing members to clean surfaces before and after use. Alongside signage’s encouraging good hygiene.
Meeting rooms
As shared, collaborative spaces, meeting rooms need to be enhanced so that employees can connect with each other comfortably. New capacity guidelines should be posted at entrances and recommended seating arrangements should be placed on tabletops. Additionally, “rules” should be displayed on TV monitors and wipe and sanitizer dispensers should be handy
Rest rooms
As with all spaces, restrooms have to undergo more frequent and regimented cleanings throughout the day. To cut down on “high touch” exposure, sensor based soap dispensers need to be installed & 20-second hand washing signage to remind employees that soap and water go a long way in fighting COVID-19.
Paper towels provide additional level of cleaning and reduce the spread of contamination that can be found with using hand dryers, Use paper towels made from recycled paper and look for opportunities for waste management to collect them for compost!
HVAC systems
Immediate steps should be taken to protect employees with altering hvac systems, to provide maximum delivery of fresh air into all space
A future built on wellbeing
As we navigate the evolving realities of COVID-19, we are looking ahead to what the future of the workplace holds for all of us. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that whatever comes next, we shall keep sending updates!
Above all else, we are committed to making sure that all of our clients can continue to work with peace of mind and focus on what matters most.
HOPE TO SEE YOUR TEAM BACK TO WORK!!!
Ps - Repurposed article. For further queries you could write to us on studio@smstudio.co.in
BUT !!! each day
EACH EMPLOYEE SHOULD ENSURE
· To Check your temperature every day, if you feel unwell or have fever stay at home
· Download the Arogya Setu app, and do the self-assessment check
· Wear your masks and keep a spare handy
· Wear your id compulsively
· Get Home cocked food, outside food should be a strict no, and sharing food is a thing of the pas
· Always carry any hand sanitizer with you
GETTING TO OFFICE
· Drive yourself to work in your own bike or car
· Public transport is a strict no no, no bus, no train no uber/ ola
· Carpooling only with known colleagues
On a two wheeler travel solo, on a 4 wheeler, 2 passengers in a sedan and 3 passengers in a suv including the driver
· In case you have to get a driver, once in the office complex, he wouldn’t be allowed to leave
INSIDE THE OFFICE
MEETINGS IN THE OFFICE
SAFETY HEALTH & HYGINE
· DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACES
· DO NOT CALL VISITORS TO YOUR OFFICES
· KEEP A MANDATORY 6FEET DISTANCE, LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE, DON’T DISTURB YOUR NEIGHBOR
· INCASE YOUR CAFETARIA IS NOT FUNCTIONING AS YOU ARE IN A SMALL OFFICE YOUR ADMIN ALLOWS YOU TO EAT AT YOUR DESK.
· NO SHARING FOOD
· NO TEA COFEE SMOKE BREAKS OUTSIDE OF OFFICE
· WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
AFTER OFFICE
HELPLINE NUMBERS
TRAVEL
SAY NO TO DOMESTIC OR INTERNATION TRAVEL TILL FURTHER NOTICE