Insights
5 Considerations for Restoring Your Company’s Workforce During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
Posted July 31, 2020 in Articles
As essential businesses continue to increase their capacity and schools prepare to reopen for the fall semester, many non-essential businesses are exploring their options for reopening as well. To date, there have been many lessons learned; and, while the novel coronavirus pandemic is still far from over, there are measures that businesses can implement in order to put their employees back to work and serve their clients and customers safely.
To be clear, there is no one-size-fits all approach, and businesses need to implement safety protocols that address their specific risks and needs. With that said, here are five key areas in which businesses will need to focus much of their effort in order to reopen during the COVID-19 crisis:
1. Employee Screening
Health authorities are recommending that employers implement screening measures in order to mitigate the risk of employees coming to work with the virus. While daily testing is not practical, employers can adopt policies that require temperature checks and assessments for other symptoms before employees enter the workplace. If an employee has a fever, is exhibiting other symptoms of COVID-19, or may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, then he or she should be instructed to seek testing before returning to work.
2. Social Distancing and Mask Requirements for Employees and Customers
In the workplace, current recommendations for employers include maintaining adequate social distancing between employees, customers and clients. Masks are also currently recommended for indoor work locations as well as outdoor locations where employees may come into contact with others. In addition to adopting internal policies, employers should consider posting signs and establishing enforcement protocols for customers and clients as well.
3. Response Protocols for Potential Exposure
When operating during the novel coronavirus pandemic, employers must have response protocols that they can execute in the event of possible COVID-19 exposure in the workplace. What is necessary will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the workplace, the number of employees who can potentially be impacted, and whether customers or clients may have also been exposed.
4. Maintaining a Remote Workforce and Business Continuity
While having employees work from home is not possible for all businesses, those that can have employees work remotely should have a plan in place to make the transition if necessary. Businesses should also have a coronavirus-specific business continuity plan to ensure that they are not forced to cease operations after reopening.
5. Unemployment, FFCRA and Other Benefits
Finally, when preparing to reopen during the novel coronavirus pandemic, employers must also ensure that they are prepared to comply with the laws that have been enacted to protect employees who get sick, or who are at high risk for experiencing complications if they get sick, on the job. Among other considerations, this includes ensuring that they have adequate unemployment insurance coverage and that their leave policies are compliant with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Is Your Business Ready to Reopen During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Mithras Investments is a business consulting firm that assists companies of all sizes with risk management, operational and human resources matters. If you would like help making sure your business is ready to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to call 305-517-7911 or contact us online to learn more.
