World Health Organization Guidelines

In order to help businesses understand how to successfully reopen their doors, the World Health Organization (WHO) has shared information concerning how to prevent the spread of the virus at work, how to deal with high-contact situations such as meetings and events, business travel considerations and workplace readiness in case infections (re)surface within their communities. 

1. Simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace

There are several low-cost ways to combat the spread of the virus. Keeping disinfectants around the workplace and encouraging employees to wipe down all surfaces is an easy way to prevent the spread of the virus. Promoting regular handwashing, offering several hand sanitizer stations throughout the office, and providing ease of access to face masks and disposable tissues for those who develop any signs of illness reduce the spread even further. Communication is key in retention of information, and the WHO stresses the importance of frequent reminders throughout the day, before meetings, and on the company intranet. It should be stressed that employees displaying any signs of COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to stay home doing remote work if possible. 

2. How to manage COVID-19 risk when organizing meetings & events

As workers start to make their way back into the workspace, it is imperative that businesses understand the risks associated with gatherings of any kind, including meetings, events and even open-concept workspaces. In preparation for such gatherings, businesses need to ensure they have enough supplies, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and tissues. They should collect participant contact information and clearly state that it will be shared with local health officials and other participants in the event that a participant comes down with the virus. 

3. Things to consider when you and your employees travel

When it comes to business travel, companies need to take every precaution to ensure that the business trip poses the least risk possible. Traveling employees should be briefed on the local policies regarding travel and should adhere to the social distancing guidelines put in place by the destination. Businesses should also determine whether travel is even necessary and search for alternatives whenever possible. 

4. Getting your workplace ready in case COVID-19 arrives in your community

As reopening poses a major threat to the containment of the virus, it is highly advised to have a plan in place should a worker show signs of coronavirus symptoms. Businesses should identify a set area for confining potential cases and develop strict procedures for contacting public health officials and safely transferring the potentially infected employee out of the workplace. In addition to on-site preparations for suspected cases, organizations should also develop a contingency plan for how to keep their business running in case operations are suspended again due to an outbreak. Developing partnerships with local public health and social service providers can provide much-needed support, particularly for businesses who do not have these services available in-house.

For more information on how businesses can prepare themselves in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, download their full workplace guide here

Source for this article:

“Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19.” World Health Organization. 3 Mar. 2020. Tran, et al. “COVID-19 and the Race in Startup Technology.” Plug And Play.

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