As we head towards the end of the summer holidays and the start of school, many of us will be returning to work in some capacity. During this recent stage of Covid-19 lockdown easing the choice about whether to insist employees return to the office has been left in the hands of the employer.

We’ve compiled some tips to consider for when you return to the workplace, allowing you to re-enter the workplace safely and with confidence.

Firstly, ask yourself ‘do I need to return to work?’ If you’ve been successfully working from home during lockdown, you may choose to continue this working activity for the foreseeable future. Many companies with office-based staff are offering employees the choice to continue to work from home if they wish, avoiding public transport and helping to control the spread of the virus.

#1 Regular communication

For managers, ensure you keep all employees in the loop on new developments and changes to policies. This could be relating to the safety of staff at work, commuting arrangements or adjustments such as staggered arrival and finish times. For employees, ensure you stay up to date with any communications regarding changes to workplace policies and procedures.

#2 Know your new environment

It’s worth preparing yourself for an altered working day in the workplace. Familiar yourself with practical arrangements such as a one-way system through the building, new signage or using the stairs rather than lifts.

#3 Know the regulations

Take the time to read any workplace policies that have been put in place. You may have to adhere to new regulations such as a staggered arrival and departure time and avoid hot desking. Social distancing measures such as no handshaking when welcoming visitors or meeting in a smaller group, especially within smaller rooms may also become the new norm.

#4 Keep up to date

Ensure you are up to date with improvements or adjustments to working practices. Many businesses may find that some practices need refining or perfecting. What we know about the virus is continually changing, and we need to adjust our behaviour as a result. It may be that the regulations at your place of work need to alter in times of local lockdown or a new outbreak. Be ready to adapt at short notice if you need to.

#5 Adhere to new employee guidelines

Do your best to adhere to the new hygiene guidelines. The new guidelines may include:

• increased levels of hand washing
• using hand sanitisers regularly
• sanitising workstations regularly
• wearing masks in confined areas
• maintaining social distancing ie when queuing

#6 Help protect others

Protect your colleagues by ensuring you make use of any PPE that is providing to you. Not only will you be helping to protect yourself but protect others around you too.

#7 Keep a record

Keep a brief diary of where you have been or who you have been in contact with at work and socially. Should you develop symptoms and test positive for the virus, contact tracing may need to be implemented to help stop the spread. Lastly, be mindful of how you feel. If you develop any symptoms, they must be taken seriously. Get tested and advise your line manager.

If you need help keeping safe and protected in the workplace then see our extensive range of PPE, hand sanitisers, face coverings and antibacterial cleaners to keep everyone at your place of work safe. If you need advice as to the best products for your needs then please contact our team.