As a Small Business Owner, What’s Next During This Trying Time?

Posted July 29, 2020 in Employee Benefit Plan

2 Minute Read: 

Currently, many companies are struggling with safely returning to work with the ever-changing rules and safety guidelines associated with COVID-19. To determine when to bring employees back to the office, you must pay close attention to community and state recommendations, as every state (and county) may be different. 

For some teams, telecommuting may remain the norm until medical officials get the virus under control. But for those who do return to work, what’s next?

Fortunately, different government agencies have provided guidelines for business owners and managers looking to maintain a safe environment at work.

How Can You Maintain Social Distancing?

Social distancing remains the primary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends the following strategies:

• Continue telecommuting policies, if it is working
• Stagger shifts to reduce the number of employees in the office
• Ensure that work stations are six feet apart
• Maintain proper distance between customers and employees
• Restrict face-to-face meetings and encourage video conferencing
• Limit occupancy of common areas such as breakrooms

The Better Business Bureau recommends checking with local officials on required signage for hand hygiene, PPE and social distancing. The BBB and other organizations recommend sanitation stations with sanitizing gel, wipes and sprays at strategic positions throughout your workspace.

To develop an employee assistance program, call Gallant Risk & Insurance Services, Inc., today at (951) 368-0700 or fill out our online contact form. Our wellness programs and employee support programs help keep your staff members happier, healthy and more productive.

What Prevention Practices Can Businesses Adopt?

Consider adding frequent cleaning and sanitation of commonly touched surfaces to the housekeeping routine at your company. Additionally, the CDC’s sanitation procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in offices includes the following measures:

• Frequent handwashing
• Avoiding the use of other employees’ desks and supplies
• Using a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes
• Home-quarantine for sick employees

Finally, if you have employees that travel, ask them to work from home for up to two weeks following their return.

What Protective Equipment Do You Need?

OSHA delineates the kind of protective gear to provide for staff members. This varies depending on their job and the risks of exposure. For example, maintenance and janitorial staff may need face masks and gloves to perform cleaning and landscaping tasks. Everyone working in close proximity to others needs a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Can an Employee Wellness Program Help?

In this trying time, stress can cause many health issues that may impact productivity. To keep employees well and happy, establish an employee wellness program with the following elements:

• Referrals for drug and alcohol abuses
• Mental health referrals
• Financial counseling
• Legal advice

By doing this, you are on an ideal path to help invest in your employees’ health and security so they can create and maintain a healthy lifestyle.