From Workplace Social Distancing to Staggered Shifts: 10 Tips for Creating a Safe, Successful Return-to-Work Plan

With equal parts concern and commitment, many employers are moving toward reopening their workplaces after the COVID-19 shutdown. But it’s not a simple process. As fast as federal, state and local legislators are issuing orders, you must stay on top of the latest guidelines to determine the best course of action.

Beyond the legislative specifics, following recommendations from the CDC and other experts on workplace social distancing guidelines makes sense for all employers planning a return to the workplace. To ensure the health and safety of your employees, customers and other on-site visitors — and guard yourself from legal liability — consider these tips:

1. Implement workplace social distancing — The general guideline is to maintain six feet of distance between individuals at all times. This may require moving furniture and equipment to create separation between employee workspaces, repurposing common areas or leaving certain areas empty. In situations where physical distancing is not practical (service counters, for example), install clear acrylic shields or other protective barriers.
2. Coordinate proper traffic flow — Consider floor decals or markers to designate one-way traffic through hallways or aisles. You can also use signage to direct traffic flow, remind workers and visitors to maintain distance, and designate restricted areas.
3. Increase cleaning frequency — Plan to clean restrooms, light switches, door handles, elevator buttons and other high-touch surfaces more than once a day. Ensure that ventilation systems operate properly, and leave doors open wherever possible to reduce surface contamination.
4. Encourage personal hygiene practices — Stock up on hand sanitizer, disposable masks or face coverings, and other safety supplies, and make them easily available to employees. Post signs reminding staff and guests to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and wear masks or face coverings if required by law or workplace policy.
5. Vary employee return dates — Bringing employees back in phases can buy you time to rearrange workspaces and make additional adjustments as needed. Start by bringing back essential employees whose work can only be performed on-site.
6. Create staggered work shifts — It may be beneficial to set up two shifts, with an hour for cleaning between them. Or, you can alternate which employees come in on certain days or weeks. Modified start times and staggered work breaks and lunches can also help minimize crowding at doorways, lobbies, elevators and other common areas.
7. Consider conducting employee health screenings — The EEOC is allowing employers to conduct employee symptom checks and temperature readings during this time. If you choose to implement onsite screenings, do so in a way that maintains proper social distancing and protects privacy. If an employee fails a health screening or exhibits symptoms while working onsite, send him or her home. Notify any coworkers who may have been exposed by the affected employee and ask them to self-isolate for 14 days. (Do not share the name of the affected employee or answer questions that might reveal his or her identity.)
8. Require medical certification — Whenever an employee is sent home or otherwise misses work due to suspected illness or exposure to the virus, do not allow the employee to return without a written certification. This will help ensure that he or she meets all the criteria for safely returning to work according to CDC guidelines.
9. Revisit workplace policies — You may need to add policies on social distancing, health screenings, hygiene, on-site traffic flow, in-person meetings, use of face coverings and other protective equipment, food deliveries, food preparation and sharing, temporary travel restrictions and self-quarantine after travel. Depending on decisions made, you may also need to update existing policies on attendance, work schedules, remote work, sick leave and visitor access to your facility.
10. Conduct training on new policies and procedures — In addition to training all employees on new safety protocols, provide separate training for supervisors on how to handle employee requests for leave, what to do if an employee exhibits symptoms while on site, and your expectations on how they should address and enforce any new policies.

For more comprehensive guidance on preparing a ‘return to work’ plan, download our free e-guide.

Gearing Up for the “New Normal”

As you move toward reopening your workplace, you’ll need to navigate numerous concerns and challenges. But with the right preparations and resources to support you along the way, you can anticipate a smoother, healthier transition.

ComplyRight offers a wide range of solutions designed to help you reinforce your safety protocols, comply with the latest COVID-19 orders and regulations, and maintain thorough records. Check them out here.