Are you finally returning to work at your office after the COVID pandemic? Is your resort re-opening soon, and staff are coming back to work?

If like many, you are planning to return to work shortly, it’s crucial that you and the business are fully prepared – and protected.

Once you agree to return to work, ask your employer what the return-to-work policy is. Not only will this reduce your anxiety, but it will remove any uncertainty.

Questions you should ask when returning to work include:

• Will all employees be returning to work, or is it a phased approach?
• How many employees will be returning at once?
• What physical changes have been made at the resort?
• How will face covering, hand sanitization and social distancing be enforced?
• What PPE will be provided if any?

The threat of COVID-19 is very real, and precautions must be taken, so everyone says safe. SnapSurveys has highlighted ten tips for returning after many months away.

Prepare the night before

Think about your journey well beforehand and consider the precautions needed every step of the way, especially if you are taking public transport – or if you’re driving further than you have done in months.

Give yourself plenty of time

Get up earlier than you used to, as everything will take longer until you get back into a routine. Restrictions on public transport may mean your journey to work takes longer.

Limit exposure to colleagues

Actively keep away from people as much as possible. You can phone or video call people, even if they are in the same building as you.

Temperature checks

Take your temperature before leaving for work each day. A high fever is a significant symptom, so checking this before you leave the house might reduce the risk of infecting others.

Face masks

Make use of any face masks available. Wearing a mask can protect others by filtering out particles. They aren’t fail proof, though, so use in conjunction with other best practices.

Gloves

Gloves are a smart way to limit germs’ spread, but they need to be used correctly to be effective. Gloves prevent germs from getting on your hands when you’re in public, but if you eat or touch your face, then those germs still transfer.

Hand sanitizer

There should be hand sanitizing stations located around the resort and in the office areas. However, you may still want to take your own and use it regularly. Think about how many people touch door handles, the coffee machine or the taps in the bathroom!

Take a picnic to work

Bringing your lunch to work will help keep you away from people at break times. You won’t have to wait in a line or sit at busy tables. Don’t forget to include cutlery, crockery and something to drink from!

Open the windows

Studies show that increasing ventilation by opening windows helps to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Scientists have said it’s safer to be outdoors because the threat of the virus is lower. So it makes sense to keep the air fresh and flowing.

Never underestimate the threat

Very little is still known about Covid-19, and there’s every chance this may be around for years. So, it’s essential to remain alert to the threat and not get complacent. Stay vigilant and keep communicating with your manager or HR department about the latest news and safety advice.

Source: Canada Life and SnapSurveys