We long for the first day back at work where all our employees are back in the same office. Until then, we are doing our best working from home and participating as much as we can in virtual events so that we can all stay connected with each other and with our clients. When that first day back does come, we will make sure that the office is disinfected, reconfigured, and spruced up so they will feel safe and comfortable coming back to their old spaces in the new world.

Disinfecting the Workplace
To get things ready, we are following the CDC recommendations. There is a list of EPA-approved disinfectants, but they could be hard to find these days so an easy solution is a mixture of household bleach and water. CDC recommends 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon if you're cleaning floors or larger surfaces or 4 tsp bleach per quart of water for smaller jobs. The challenge is to find the bleach if you're out, but try your luck at some stores since stock may be back since some stores are limiting bleach purchases to 1 per household.

Reconfiguring the Workplace
Our office is an open environment which has been great with building camaraderie and conversations. The cubicles are all closely knit, as they were designed to be, but we have never been at full capacity since we have college interns, part-timers and full-timers who work a couple of days a week from home. This has helped us out in our planning for Return to Work. Physically reconfiguring the workplace is not possible since we really don't have that much extra space to move things around, but we are going to reconfigure who comes into the office and when. It will be a juggle logistically, but we are going to manage the schedules so that our staff who are physically in the office will be at 50% capacity at all times which means less people in the office at the same time.

To alleviate any concerns, we are going to add visual reminders to maintain distance with social distancing signs and mats, provide face masks and gloves, and hand sanitizing stations. Where appropriate, we may install barriers. We will have infrared thermometers to check on team members before they enter the office. The conference room will only be utilized when necessary and no more than 5 people can be in that room. We will remove access chairs in the conference room and the remaining chairs will be placed 6 feet apart.

Sprucing Up the Workplace
To keep their spirits up and to welcome them back, we are going to surprise them with a "Welcome Back to Work!" kit. We haven't finalized the kit yet, but we're thinking about a lunch cooler with ice pack so they won't have to share the refrigerator space, a thermos so their hot items stay hot and they can avoid the community microwave, something sweet, new antimicrobial mousepads and pens, a personal hand sanitizer kit, a safety key so they won't have to use their fingers to open doors, and we're going to pack it all nicely in a tote like this one.

We'd love to hear what your plans are for your return to work. Sound off by clicking here.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE!