We all know we're in an unprecedented time. We hear about it on the news. It's in ads all around us. We're living it daily both at home and at work (nowadays, these are the same place). But as we are closer and closer to bending the curve, we can't help but look to the future. What do we need to do to get ready for the "New Normal"?
We've talked with our experts at Warehouse Direct and our network of supply partners to put together a list of areas to look at in your workplace as you get ready to define what your "New Normal" looks like. And don't worry, we have experts on hand to help you navigate the whole way.
Set Up for Social Distancing
Reopening safely means looking at your workspaces to make sure they are optimized for social distancing while being productive. We've created effective spaces for many clients and can help you adapt to your office for today's guidelines. Some things to think about:
- Do you have open seating areas that require barriers?
- Do you need additional permanent or movable partitions?
- Do you need to add barriers at the end of the isles?
- Do you need barriers to in-person meetings?
- How will you handle in-person collaboration?
- Do you need to look into easily cleanable surfaces??
Prepare for Protection and Prevention
Infection control is going to be a key factor when you reopen your business. Incorporating health screenings, keeping PPE supplies ready, adding hands-free dispensing, and reducing touchpoints are essential. Look to us for solutions that help minimize transmission. Some areas to consider are:
- Is your bathroom optimized with paper dispensers instead of air dryers?
- Have you thought about installing foot pedals on your bathroom doors to open without contamination?
- Will you need to upgrade existing items like washable keyboards or wrapped utensils?
Make Clean a Priority
Cleaning is critical to providing a safe return to work. In addition to disinfecting, sanitizing, and hand hygiene, consider smooth, easy-clean surfaces. Think durable, bleach cleanable, antimicrobial – we have options to update your space for new cleaning standards. Some things to think about:
- You'll probably need to increase your cleaning schedule. Are there cleaning machines you need to help keep productivity high without adding labor?
- Are you fully stocked with sanitizers, disinfectants, soaps, and cleaning supplies?
- How are you going to keep workspaces more organized for easier cleaning?
Plan for Safety Supplies
PPE, disinfectants, and sanitizers will now be an office staple, and you'll want at least a 30-day supply. Our storage, dispensing, and disposal solutions will help you manage these supplies and provide easy access in public areas and at personal workspaces. Some areas to consider are:
- Do you have a stock of PPE supplies like masks, gloves, safety glasses, or face shields?
- Do you know the different brands of sanitization wipes available?
- Which types of masks work best for your workforce?
Communicate Clearly
The workplace is changing and it will be important to keep your workforce informed. Our signage and whiteboards are a smart way to communicate new protocols, social-distancing reminders, cleaning guidelines, hallway traffic flow, and more.
- What are the areas in your workplace that require additional signage?
- Do you have areas employees naturally line up or congregate around?
- What types of reminders work best for your workplace?
Ready to get your 'new normal' situated in your business? Contact our experts today for a consultation catered to your workplace.
