{"id":2323,"date":"2021-04-29T16:29:57","date_gmt":"2021-04-29T08:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2323"},"modified":"2021-04-29T16:32:52","modified_gmt":"2021-04-29T08:32:52","slug":"employer-considerations-for-returning-to-the-workplace-after-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.uk\/blog\/employer-considerations-for-returning-to-the-workplace-after-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Employer considerations for returning to the workplace after COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"

With businesses moving towards reopening and restrictions continuously changing, employers must start planning for a gradual return to the workplace. However, returning to the workplace after COVID-19 must be done in a strategic way to protect the health and wellbeing of your workforce. It is important to note that, while the government\u2019s roadmap<\/a> offers a timetable and regulations, employers must stay up to date since changes can happen at any time. With that said, this Pacific Prime UK<\/a> article discusses what employers need to think about when returning to work after COVID-19.<\/p>\n

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\"Corporate<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n

Deciding to return to the workplace<\/h2>\n

Even though the easing of lockdown makes returning to the workplace possible, and in some cases necessary, an integral part of any plan should be to support flexible working arrangements<\/a>. Employees may be concerned about travelling to work and being in the office, especially those who have been shielding<\/a>.<\/p>\n

According to government advice, work from home should continue wherever possible, at least until social distancing or lockdown restrictions are relaxed. If working from home is not possible, employers must comply with guidelines<\/a> for returning to work post-COVID. Likewise, they need to consider the overall wellbeing of the workforce, including physical, mental, and emotional.<\/p>\n

The pandemic has changed the way people work and manage responsibilities. As an employer, now is the best time to think creatively about more effective and flexible working practising to meet employees\u2019 expectations. Flexible working arrangements could help employees be more effective, which would improve productivity. Employers may have to produce new policies on flexible working arrangements or review existing ones.<\/p>\n

If working from home is not an option, there are three questions employers should ask before bringing the workforce back into the office:<\/p>\n

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  1. Is it essential?<\/li>\n
  2. Is it safe?<\/li>\n
  3. Is it mutually agreed?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    There are many factors to think about, such as the size of the workplace and the number of vulnerable employees or those living with vulnerable people. Since it can be highly challenging to adapt offices to accommodate all employees and maintain social distancing, employers may choose to stay closed until the scheme ends.<\/p>\n

    Health and safety measures<\/h2>\n

    For a safe return to the workplace, employers need to think about risk management approaches to minimise the risk of infection and protect employees\u2019 health. Spot checks will be conducted by the Health and Safety Executive, so it is advisable to refer to their advice and guidance<\/a> when considering health and safety measures. There are also plenty of toolkits<\/a> and resources<\/a> available online for returning to work safely during COVID-19.<\/p>\n

    Close collaborations between employers and health and safety teams are essential. Likewise, employers should let employees know the measures they are taking to offer reassurance and remind them that their safety, health and wellbeing come first. Employees must have a clear understanding of rules and procedures they need to follow whether working at home or in the workplace, especially if they start to feel unwell.<\/p>\n

    Employers must review the workplace and ask questions such as:<\/p>\n