As cities, states, and workplaces begin to reopen, COVID-19 will not be gone, nor will the concerns of workers. Reopening businesses will come with challenges and people will respond differently to being back at work. Minimizing employees’ potential exposure to COVID-19 must be a top priority for the company/employer. It is also important for the employer to have the supervisors and managers trained on how to identify emotional stress during this new normal. It is important for the entire workforce to practice these protocols while returning to work post Coronavirus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Follow the policies and procedures of your employer related to cleaning, disinfecting, social distancing, and wearing a face mask.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your work area, including keyboards, phones, handrails and doorknobs.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Inform your supervisor if you have a sick family member at home with COVID-19.
- Avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect them before and after use.
- Know what to expect of yourself. You may experience a variety of emotions after returning to work, which is normal. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust is a healthy way to process this evolving situation.
- Continue to take care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise, and spend time with those closest to you.
- Seek help if you need to. If your feelings are too much to bear, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health problems—in general and in response to a major event such as the pandemic—are real, diagnosable and treatable.
Resources:
- PA Department of Health
- CDC’s Businesses and Workplaces: COVID-19 Plan, Prepare, and Respond
