Control Engineering magazine outlines a three-phased approach to return to the workplace: restricted phase, controlled phase and finally the unrestricted phase. The article, including layouts and diagrams, outlines a 7-step approach to the restricted phase. Here’s how:
- Establish a multidisciplinary re-entry task force. When establishing your team, considering creating a task force to develop the specific approach to re-entering the workplace and communicating it across the company.
- Check and adhere to applicable governmental guidelines, which may change frequently and are expected to do so as the coronavirus pandemic continues; review the most current updates.
- Provide guidance and training for supervisors to follow as they support employees during the transition back to the office.
- Set up a health station where employees check in and out, complete health checks, learn about using the office safely, and receive supplies.
- Plan use of space for occupancy reductions, circulation paths and assigned seating ; create signage and decals to indicate one-way circulation path, standing points for physical distancing and desk decals to reflect shiftwork.
- Clean space regularly.
- Determine what surfaces are cleaned and how often
- Establish a list of necessary cleaning supplies to meet the required level of cleaning in each office.
- Setup cleaning substations
- Maintain a cleaning log that is updated daily
- Declutter by evaluating what items can be moved or removed completely to reduce frequent handling or contact.
- Establish shared appliance allowances for this first phase and how to properly sanitize after each use.
- Coordinate with landlord for rules about shared elevators and stairwells, gyms and cafés, other tenants, and building systems.