Safe return to work

There has been a lot of emphasis on companies and businesses remodeling operations and being flexible and adaptive to the new environment to survive the post pandemic era. However, along comes the need to ensure workplace health and safety during these testing times. Especially now that most countries are out of lockdowns and restrictions.

While some sectors have remained operational throughout such as banks, last couple of months have seen many companies reopen offices, which meant more attention to workplace health, safety, and cleanliness. Apart from the general guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the government, there should ideally be a work health and safety plan in place to respond to Covid-19 by companies and businesses. However, the reality is far from that; many big organizations are seen taking little interest in workplace safety, let alone safety measures by small businesses and firms.

If one could summarize various global guidelines for returning to work during the pandemic, there would be four simple factors to get it going: a well-written and well disseminated plan of action to respond to Covid-19; implementation and execution of the plan; a mechanism for reporting and notifying of Covid-19 cases; and employers’ and workers’ responsibility and duties. Unilever Pakistan has put together a guide to keeping employees safe in the workplace that talks about four key areas. Precautions to be taken by employees to maintain personal hygiene and safety prior to coming to workplace; safety measures by the organization to ensure safety and wellbeing of employees as they come back to work; protocol that employees returning to office will need to follow to maintain a safe workplace; and wellbeing resources available to support employees through the pandemic.

While at first it might seem difficult for many small businesses, firms, and organizations to take a leaf out of the MNC’s book – due to obvious shortage of resources – it might not be that challenging if they understand the gist. Also, it becomes easier because first, regulating an office building is much more attainable and accountability is easier. And second, it is much easier to create awareness among a group of people who are generally thought to be literate enough to comprehend and make informed decisions.

The Unilever Pakistan Return to Work guide can be adapted if not emulated by organizations to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplaces; to help employees return to work safely; and to protect workers’ mental well-being. For example: wearing a mask and taking care of hygiene - two crucial factors to curb the spread of Covid-19 – are easily implementable. Or the conditions as to who can return to work are also tenable and do not require extra resources to make the adjustments.

The guidelines talks about social distancing at work reducing physical contact through seating arrangements, queuing system, restricted movement, fewer meetings, safety protocols for elevator usage, and changing the culture of hand shaking, which can all be adapted to an organization’s circumstances and situation. What firms and offices really need to invest in – whether big or small - is the disinfecting and sanitization procedures as well as testing, isolating and contact tracing.

Safety and control are paramount in such precarious times. There is a need to sensitize; there is a need to train employees to practice good hygiene, safety protocols and guidelines. But most of all, there is a need for employers to create awareness and provide the environment to resume ‘normal’ operations.