Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, it has affected many lives, livelihoods, economies, and businesses. Around 1.6 million businesses were mandated by local governments to physically close due to the COVID-19, resulting in the closure of office buildings. Most employees had no choice but to work from home.
Fortunately, vaccines are being rolled out, and people are starting to go out once again. Various companies are re-opening offices to adjust to the new normal. If you are considering to re-open your office, this may be a bit challenging since you have to follow guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control.
Are you ready to re-open your office under new normal circumstances? We’ve prepared a quick guide for you.
How Will You Prepare to Re-Open Your Office?
Some big companies, such as The New York Stock Exchange and Mastercard, have already adapted to the new normal and re-opened their offices at minimum capacity. With re-opening your office, however, comes the responsibility of taking care of your employees’ safety and health. Here are some things to consider when you’re getting ready to re-open your office.
· Close Communal Spaces
Since the COVID-19 commonly transmits through close physical contact with another person, areas where your employees usually gather and socialize should be closed temporarily. The need to collaborate with other people in your workplace is essential in business. However, there is a need first to halt the use of office canteens, lounges, and conference rooms.
You don’t have to close these areas entirely when you re-open your office. You could reuse and utilize them as new office rooms. This gives you more space for your employees to practice social distancing and minimize COVID spread in your office.
Communal areas like lobbies and reception areas must necessarily be open. Nonetheless, couches and chairs should be far apart from each other to avoid possible virus transmission.
· Change Office Layout
Since the open-space layout has been the standard for offices, social distancing can be a bit challenging to practice once you re-open your office. That is why changing your office layout is a must.
Your office furniture, such as tables and chairs, needs to be at least 6-feet far from each other. Thoroughly wash, clean and disinfect office furniture before your employees go back to work.
It is also helpful to put floor stickers to encourage and direct one-way traffic in the office and hallways. You can use office barriers made of acrylic or plexiglass to prevent virus transmission among colleagues who interact in the workplace.
· Enforce Proper Health Protocols
It is best to inform your employees who are working from home of any changes in work arrangements. Before re-opening, brief your employees on health protocols to follow. Discuss proper use of protective equipment, handwashing, and social distancing while in the workplace.
Make sure that your office has enough cleaning and sanitation supplies such as sanitizers and alcohol. Place signs on walls to remind employees to practice health protocols. Also, set some rules for future visitors and travels related to work during the new normal.
· Upgrade Sanitation Practices
Before you re-open your office to employees once again, it is crucial that experts clean the whole space. Thoroughly wash and disinfect every corner and nook of your office. Use proper cleaning equipment and agents in sanitizing your office.
Dust and disinfect all office furniture. Common objects shared by employees, such as photocopying machines and telephones, should be carefully cleaned as well. Windows, doors, light fixtures, and floors are also included in the list of the things that need sanitizing in your office.
Since COVID-19 can spread through the air, it is also essential to update your establishment’s ventilation systems. Since your office is indoor and air circulation is minimal, it is recommended to clean and upgrade your HVAC systems to produce healthier air quality.
Before and after you re-open your office, it is necessary that you implement a strict cleaning schedule – in case you don’t have one yet. You can hire professionals to do this for you. By scheduling frequent janitorial services, you do not have to worry about dirt buildup and virus transmission in your office.
Prestige Property Services Can Help You Re-Open Your Office
There is a lot of work to do before you can start your office re-opening. As such, it’s best to hire a cleaning company that can efficiently do the job for you. Professional office cleaners are knowledgeable on how to properly clean establishments to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.
Prestige Property Services offers cost-effective commercial office cleaning services throughout Los Angeles and Orange County areas. We can handle your commercial cleaning needs before your office re-opens. Contact us here for a free estimate or you can call us at (714) 224-0301 to talk to one of our staff.
