Back to Work Checklist

As we get closer to physically returning to work, in this new-normal world, there are seven key things we can all do to keep ourselves and our employees safe and healthy.

1: Screening and Entry Requirements

During the time of COVID-19, it’s important to ensure everyone’s safety, both customers and employees, and doing some pre-screening is a great way to help keep your environment healthy. Depending on your business, consider conducting temperature checks on customers and employees before entering your space and ask them if there is any possibility that they have been exposed to COVID-19. Provide masks and sanitizer or other PPE if needed, and to help those individuals who are more vulnerable, think about ways you can adjust your business to still service those clients, and keep them safe.

Also, let people know that if they are feeling unwell, they should stay home for their sake, and the sake of others.

2: Physical Distancing

Before opening your doors, decide on how many people can be in your space at one time to maintain proper physical distance. Think about signage that lets people know what your physical distancing policy is and put in place floor decals that show customers the safest way to move through your space. Curbside pickup or delivery can also help facilitate a steady flow of business, without a flow of people.

Provide masks and sanitizer or other PPE if needed, and to help those individuals who are more vulnerable, think about ways you can adjust your business to still service those clients, and keep them safe.

3: Payment Methods

Establish physical barriers at cash registers (if you have them) to help people stay socially distanced and encourage the use of credit cards and debit as methods of payments to avoid cash.

4: Clean and Disinfect and Repeat

Clean, clean, clean is the mantra. Increase hand washing policies for employees, increase how often you clean high-traffic and high-touch areas, and clearly outline whose responsibility it is to clean what, when, to make sure it gets done.

5: Employee Management

This is a high-anxiety, high-stress time, and in order to make your employees feel more comfortable, consider implementing the following things : communication around new safety protocols, providing necessary PPE, reminding employees of the sick leave policy and that they should stay home if they’re not feeling well, implement accommodations for vulnerable workers, and be clear about remote work expectations.

6: Owner Responsibility

Sometimes no matter how careful we are, things happen so have a plan of action in place should someone in your workplace become exposed to COVID-19. If you need to move operations remotely, know what that looks like ahead of time. And remember, check in with your employees to see how things are going with them emotionally. And ALWAYS be sure to take care of yourself as well.

7: Open for Business

If your business model allows, open for business digitally. Make sure you clearly communicate your hours, update your new health and safety practices and protocols and build up your online presence so your customers can still access the services you provide.

Click here for a downloadable Back to Business Checklist to help through the transition.