Employees’ concerns at work have shifted rapidly in recent weeks.
Before the pandemic, employees ranked “meaningful work” as one of the most important aspects of their job. Now, a potentially deadly virus is lurking most everywhere. Employees are more concerned than ever before about their health and physical safety, and justifiably so.
Some business owners transitioned their employees to working remotely, easily satisfying the social distancing recommendations. But many businesses are customer-facing. And in some workplaces, employees must work side by side. How can you ensure that your employees are safe and protected while they continue their work?
Maybe your business was considered “non-essential” and has been closed during the past several weeks. You’re likely already thinking about what changes must take place before your business re-opens. Perhaps you had to make the difficult decision to furlough employees. Are there certain guidelines or regulations that you’ll need to meet as your employees begin to interact with customers?
In the video below, Natalie expounds on eight ways that you can help your employees maintain their health and physical safety during COVID-19.
1. Encourage employees to stay home if they’re sick.
2. Screen employees as they come into work.
3. Develop social distancing policies.
4. Follow proper hand washing techniques.
5. Observe proper respiratory etiquette.
6. Increase cleaning and disinfecting.
7. Expand training and communication with employees.
8. Seek employee involvement and accommodate their suggestions, where possible.
In addition, we’ve compiled several useful resources that will help you as you navigate this new normal.
Visual Capitalist – Occupations with the highest COVID-19 Risk
Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) – Safely Returning to Work
MN Governor Tim Walz Emergency Executive Order 20-40
We recognize the challenges you face as you seek to provide the safest environment for your company’s most valuable assets – your employees. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or need additional guidance. We’re happy to help!