This year, we’re in a position that none of us has ever been in before. Earlier in the year, nation-wide shutdowns and mandatory quarantines sent many businesses screeching to a halt. Over the months following the initial outbreak in the United States, we found ways to get our businesses back on track – either through remote work, staggered shifts, or other cautious scheduling and location measures.
Now, as the summer comes to an end and fall quickly approaches, most parts of the country are working to get back to normal and relax many of the strict measures we’ve had to put in place. Navigating the complexities of reopening your business in a post-COVID world can be tricky. Getting used to the new normal may also be a little tricky. But with an open mind, a caring heart, and a strategic approach, you can reopen your business safely and effectively. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
It’s important to adapt
Businesses both small and large have struggled to meet their clients’ and customers’ needs with all of the restrictions of the last few months. The businesses that will make it through – and even find ways to thrive – in this new world are the ones that understand how important flexibility and adaptability are. Pay attention to the evolving needs of both your customers and your employees.
If your employees have young children, understand that their childcare options may be limited for the foreseeable future. If they can get their work done from home, let them as often as you can. With fewer people interacting in your office space, this is a win for you, too. For your customers, make sure that you’re still meeting their needs. You may need to adapt to offer new services, products, or add-ons to stay as relevant as you were before the virus struck.
Follow the latest COVID guidelines from the most reliable resources
Relying on less-than-trustworthy third parties or social media feeds for your COVID updates won’t do if you’re looking to open your business safely and responsibly. Check for updates regularly with reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They have several pages dedicated to safely reopening businesses, schools, and restaurants across the country. Here are just a few health and safety measures they suggest adopting:
• Conducting daily health checks
• Encouraging employees to wear cloth face coverings in the workplace (this is particularly important if the six-foot social distancing rule can’t be enforced or isn’t being adhered to)
• Creating best practices and policies for social distancing at work
• Providing employees with applicable and disposable disinfectants (sanitizers, cleaners, wipes, etc.)
• Improving your cleaning and disinfecting processes
If social distancing can’t be enforced the way things are currently, this is another area that may require you to be adaptable. Consider putting in plexiglass or other physical barriers, changing your office’s layout to separate cubicles or workspaces, closing shared spaces like the break room or conference room, and staggering work shifts.
You can use a COVID handbook to keep everyone on the same page
Clearly and descriptively letting your employees know (in writing) what’s expected of them is a good way to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the new rules. The proper procedures for handwashing, taking a sick day, keeping your distance, or wearing personal protective equipment can be left up to interpretation if they’re not clearly outlined.
Unfortunately, not everyone is taking this virus as seriously as they should be. Creating a COVID handbook makes it explicitly clear what is expected of your employees, as well as when they should stay home, and what the consequences will be if they don’t adhere to the new rules. Outlining and enforcing these new expectations will help you with reopening your business and can help keep yourself, your loved ones, your employees, and their loved ones safe.
Your cleaning and disinfecting needs will be greater than they were before
Whether social distancing and limited numbers of employees are possible or not, most decision-makers will need to ramp up their cleaning and disinfecting before reopening for business. That’s where Corvus comes in. A healthy workspace is a productive workspace. No one wants to go through all of the work involved in reopening their business just to have to shut down again because someone got sick. Our high-level cleaning and disinfecting services ensure a vibrant and healthy workplace that you and your employees can feel safe and confident spending time in.
Our focus is on cleaning corners instead of cutting them. We offer a variety of advanced cleaning and disinfecting services that have evolved even further to meet the challenge of this fast-moving virus. Among others, these services include:
• Electrostatic spraying
• Ultra-low volume fogging
• Refocused cleaning and chemical application
• Exposure cleaning and disinfecting to give additional attention to high-touch surfaces that are known germ spreaders
• Mindful office organization
• Increased frequency and strategic timing
Each of our services combines EPA-certified cleaning chemicals with state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to bring our clients true peace of mind. Electrostatic spraying and ULV fogging have been employed by major airlines, some of the most frequently visited locations in the world, to ensure the safety of those who pass through.
We bring only the best to your business and we are eager to help you reopen your business both safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help you.
