Returning employees to work: COVID-19 protection in the workplace
COVID-19ArticleMay 19, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic curve begins to flatten across many countries and employees prepare to return to the workplace, employers should plan now to address logistics and potential concerns of workers.
As the COVID-19 pandemic curve begins to flatten across many countries and employees prepare to return to the workplace, employers should plan now to address logistics and potential concerns of workers.
The move from shelter-in-place to normal operations is likely to impact company cultures and create uncertainty for many businesses and employees. However, there are steps companies may choose to implement to help protect their employees and create greater clarity for those engaging with their organization.
Slowing and reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace will require a workplace culture of education and communication. Employees must feel comfortable reporting signs and symptoms, as well as understand actions a company is taking to protect them and fellow employees.
Steps employers may consider implementing to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19 upon return to work include engineering controls (e.g., isolation screens), improved safe work practices (e.g., hand hygiene, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols), Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and administrative controls (e.g., enhanced sick leave policies, employee screening practices).
Zurich has created resources on this topic to help companies as they consider actions to implement as part of their return to the workplace plan.