The essential back-to-the-office checklist for businesses

With lockdown restrictions set to ease, businesses will begin planning for when they can reopen their doors. While some staff will look forward to returning to the office, others will be wary. However, what is certain is that the workplace will look very different from what it did before the pandemic.

As businesses begin preparing for a 'new normal', there are some important things they'll need to consider to ensure a safe and successful return to work for everyone. Here is your essential back-to-office checklist.

Risk assessments

Before any workplace reopens, there should be a thorough risk assessment. Even if some staff have been working in the office during the lockdown, you'll still need to consider the implications of opening the office to more employees. An in-depth risk assessment will give you a thorough to-do list of the changes you need to make before you start welcoming back the rest of your workforce. Make sure you communicate to your staff all the steps you are taking and keep them updated to help them feel safe, secure and confident about returning.

Shared equipment

Ideally, the use of shared office equipment such as photocopiers and printers should be strictly limited and regularly cleaned. It's also a good idea to remove communal mugs and drinking glasses from the staff kitchen. Instead, you can give one of these branded water bottle options to each employee to encourage them to stay hydrated and avoid the risk of cross-contamination. Branded mugs from Igo Promo are also available to give to staff to use and take home to wash, ensuring minimal contact between staff.

Hygiene

Most people are well aware that they should wash their hands after going to the toilet. However, you may wish to remind your staff to wash their hands regularly throughout the day. Making hygiene part of the office routine will make it much easier to keep the workplace healthy and safe for everyone. Make sure there is plenty of hand soap and alcohol-based hand sanitiser available around the office at all times, and lead by example.

Communication

There will likely already have been significant changes made to the workplace. Desks may be further apart, a one-way system around the office, and communal areas may look very different. Communicate these changes to your staff while letting them know what you are doing to keep them safe and what you expect of them in the office.

Staff wellbeing

At least some of your staff may likely be feeling nervous about coming back to the office. Taking your employee's wellbeing into account when reopening the office is essential. Your team needs to feel comfortable and safe at work to be engaged and productive. Allow staff members to discuss their concerns and be open to any suggestions to ease their fears.

Consider new ways of working

If you haven't already, you will likely need to start thinking about new ways of working. Some of your staff will have already been working remotely and may wish to continue. Meanwhile, other employees may be very keen to get out of the house and return to the office. You will need to balance what your staff want with what is right for the business and what each staff member needs to perform their jobs, and whether you are prepared to adapt to new ways of working.

Update contracts, policies and procedures

All your policies and procedures will likely need updating, as well as staff contracts. The world of work as we know it has gone through a considerable change within the last year, and this will need reflecting in the way you employ existing and future staff.

Getting the process right for when workplaces reopen and staff return is essential in protecting yourself, your staff, customers and clients and safeguarding your business.