As the country begins to heal from the pandemic, many businesses are reopening as people return to work.
However, this does not mean that the pandemic is over and COVID-19 is dead. This just means that things are safer, but another outbreak can happen if the proper precautions are not taken.
If you are returning to work, follow these steps to keep you and your coworkers safe.
Just Because You Are Going Back to Work Doesn’t Mean That the Pandemic is Over
Wearing facemasks, gloves, social distancing and constant sanitation are a must. Make sure that you and your coworkers are all following these rules to stay safe.
If you are still having trouble finding things like facemasks and gloves, talk to your supervisor about if they can supply the office with supplies to help keep everyone safe.
If you worked remotely during the pandemic, you may think that you can work remotely with your job indefinitely.
If you think your job can be done remotely to some capacity, talk with your boss. If you can stay at home, you will lower the risk of COVID-19 being spread, and you catching it yourself.
Just make sure that you can remain productive when working from home!
The last thing you boss wants is for their entire workforce to fall ill.
If you return to work and you notice that your staff cannot effectively socially distance, or if things are unsanitary, let your boss know.
This does not make you a tattletale, and it will not make you look bad. On the contrary, your boss will appreciate your concern for the office, and will hopefully make some effective changes to help keep everyone safe.
Like many Americans, I rely on public transportation. Typically, I use the train to get to and from work, and use ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft if the train should fail me.
With that being said, both of those options are wildly unsafe right now.
Public transportation is heavily unsanitary and is a very easy way to spread the disease even if you wear gloves and a mask. If you lack the proper means to travel to work, then you shouldn’t go into the office until you have a better method of transportation or things are completely safe.
If someone you live with such as a family member, spouse or roommate can take you to and from work, ask if they would be willing. You might want to consider a carpool plan with your coworkers. Sure, you won’t be socially distanced, but if you can assure that both of you are remaining safe inside and outside of the office, then you should be okay. Just make sure you give them some gas money!
If you feel sick, or if you start showing symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home.
If there is a chance that you have COVID-19, you are risking another outbreak by going out into public. Also, if you start showing symptoms, ask your supervisor if anyone else at the office is showing symptoms, and encourage that anyone who is be tested.
If you test positive for COVID-19, your work area needs to be professionally sanitized so that nobody else comes into contact with the disease.
Also, should any of your coworkers show symptoms of COVID-19, encourage them to stay home and monitor their symptoms.
Some people will refuse to change despite everything that has happened in the world. If your work isn’t allowing you and your coworkers to practice safety precautions, then don’t stay there.
Your health and well-being is worth more than any paycheck.
Speak with your boss and your company’s human resources department before making any decisions, but if nobody is advocating for your safety, get out.
Remember, you can always find a new job, and we can help! Click here to schedule a free consultation. Remember, all services can be done virtually, so you do not have to come in and risk your safety during the COVID-19 pandemic!
