After months of lockdown period, India is gearing up to come out of the shadow and to open several places with the unlock 1.0 phase. This unlock has made one thing clear that people will have to learn to co-exist with Covid-19 with heightened hygiene practices and the elimination of mass gatherings. Workers are bound to return to work; however, enterprises are set to operate in shifts, meaning they will not function with 100% capacity at a given time adhering the terms outlined by states.

Workers all around the country are apprehensive to come out of their safe haven and show up at work. As per a recent survey, about 93% of employees are anxious to return to their jobs now, as they feel they will be exposed to the virus and their health may get compromised. Many economies in the world had come to a standstill due to this pandemic, but now the countries and people cannot afford it. We will have to make peace with the “new normal” and rejoin work to revive the world.

To help you stay comfortable and ahead of the curve while venturing back to your offices, we have formulated a return-to-work action plan about how to move forward with the new change. In this blog, we will share with you 5 things that you should consider before stepping into your Office. Let’s get started!

Ramp up your hygiene habits and social distancing practices

Prepare a Safety and protection kit before you move out of your house for work. Your safety kit should include a face mask, soap, sanitizer, tissue paper, toilet seat sanitizer, face cover and gloves. It will serve as a safety net that will protect you from the virus exposure.  Sanitize your chairs and equipment every day before using them. The lockdown may have eased but that does not mean you will gather in groups, shake hands and sit with colleagues during lunch hours. Maintain adequate distance in workstations and avoid gathering during lunchtime and post-work socializing.

• Use sanitizer when you cannot find a basin to wash your hands.
• Cough and sneeze into the tissues and safely dispose off them.
• Use face cover while you work as it will protect your eyes, nose and mouth while keeping you from touching your face.
• Wear personal protective equipment when commuting to work.
• Use gloves and sanitizer whenever you use a shared space – washroom, pantry or printing area.
• Use stairs instead of lifts.
• Carry a hand wash with you if your office has a shared soap.
• Show empathy and never stop communicating, digitally.

Employee safety policies

Before returning to your workplace, make sure your employers have a corporate health responsibility policy in place. The employers should be strictly following the employee safety guidelines laid out by authorities. The health and safety of employees should be of paramount importance. When employees feel safer and happier in the organization, they will diligently accomplish the task at hand without worrying about ifs and buts.

Make a designated office at home 

If you have a job that can be done remotely, then request your employer to let you stay at home. If not anything, this pandemic has revealed that many jobs can be done at home. If you get a WFH then make sure you have a designated place to tackle your to-do list. Curling up on the sofa and the bed seems all fun until you develop acute back and neck pain. Get an ergonomically advanced chair and desk to make yourself comfortable during the long office hours. Ergonomic chairs encourage body positive posture and let you be flexible with its multiple adjustability features.

Prioritize mental wellness

In these challenging times, keep your emotional safety and mental well-being above everything. Make sure your fears and concerns are being addressed by the management. Take breaks, do meditation, play games, listen to your favourite music, connect with your friends virtually and enjoy your day. The biggest takeaway of this pandemic is to treat yourself and others with compassion. That is how you will sail through the difficult times and emerge victorious in your work.

Go Digital 

Minimize interactions where you have to be physically present by going digital. Attend and conduct meetings online on Zoom, Microsoft teams, Webex, Adobe connect etc. Avoid touching shared surfaces of things like papers, printers and scanners in the office by using scanning apps and by making use of emails. Get a digital signature handy for situations that may require it.

Way forward

Change is the only constant and we must accept it. This change will facilitate both employers and employees to develop a mindset of “Health First” – both mental and physical health. We hope this blog will help you be more mindful of your choices and aid in adopting safe practices in the outside world. And, if you have got WFH from your employers and want to set up a home office, then count on us for a spectacular range of ergonomic chairs with outstanding features. Visit shop.hofindia.com now!