By now it seems like most businesses are reopening, at least as a hybrid on-site/remote workplace, and people are getting back to their companies and resuming work in an office setting. However, as we are all aware, we’re living in what is considered to be a “new normal,” a workplace where masks are still required in public spaces, surfaces are kept meticulously clean, and shaking hands is a thing of the past. In order to help you continue to reopen your business safely, we wanted to touch on some key points to consider so you and your employees can stay safe:
No More Shared Technology
Many businesses have previously used shared workspaces, or physical phones that are used by multiple people. There are also businesses who have multiple shifts of workers, especially in the manufacturing sector, and this leads to all of the shifts using the same equipment. This is no longer an option. Due to the need to sanitize and limit contact by multiple people, companies are going to need to adopt new technology and standards to ensure that employees have their own devices that are not shared with anyone. With the rise of VoIP and video conferencing tools, it is possible to allow employees to use their own devices in order to do their work, and by doing so, this also creates a safer office space to work in.
Social Distancing Is Here To Stay
The days of offices tightly packed with cubicles, or conference rooms full of people are gone. The guidelines for staying safe and healthy require that people are able to maintain a six foot radius from other people. For many businesses, this is going to require some significant physical reorganization so that desks are placed in such a way that every employee is able to maintain a safe distance from one another. Another factor to consider is whether your technology capabilities are up to date. With a wider spread of desks, can your Wi-Fi or network maintain a strong and secure connection to every employee? Are there areas in your office with poor network coverage that need to be updated? Can your current network handle the use of more digital tools since everyone will be using their own device? These are the questions you should be asking your MSP to make sure you’re prepared.
Collaboration Is Key
When the pandemic first began and most businesses shifted to remote working, collaboration tools became essential. Platforms like Microsoft Teams ensured that everyone could work together, communicate, and collaborate on projects. Many companies are allowing employees to continue to work remotely, and with that option, these collaboration tools will have to remain a part of your daily working life. Additionally, even if you have the majority of your employees on-site, you probably won’t be able to all gather in one conference room safely. Conferences, meetings, and calls need to now be set up with a remote option by default, so even if an employee isn’t working remotely, they can still tune in safely from their desk instead of physically being in a conference room.
While there is still some uncertainty around how to reopen offices safely and whether your employees can and should work remotely if they can, these tips can offer you some insight into the questions you should be asking yourself. TAG Solutions is committed to helping all of our customers create a safe, secure, and functional workplace with the right tools to keep your business going. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you get back to work.