The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various changes to workplace culture, including an increase in digital collaboration and a shift in traditional working hours through the large adoption of remote work and distance working. However, as state rules and regulations begin to allow more offices to open back up, it is important to address how the office space will look and function amidst the transition.
As employees begin to return to the workplace, companies will need to adopt new initiatives to protect the health and safety of employees. Introducing cleaning protocols, requiring assessment screenings, and providing employee education on symptoms and social distancing will all become the new normal. And to maintain social distancing, companies are advised to encourage digital collaboration and limit group meetings.
In CorVel’s recent webinar, “Navigating the New Normal”, we discussed the steps and precautions to take when returning employees to the workplace. As explained by Karen Thomas, CorVel’s Director of Case Management Innovation, assessment screenings, employee education, and the continual use of personal protective equipment (PPE) all promote restoration of function and employee safety.
According to Dr. Madelynn Azar-Cavanagh, Medical Director of CorVel’s Virtual Clinic, preparing for a safe return to work from a clinical perspective also involves defining workplace social distancing, reducing the potential for workplace transmission, and developing guidelines to continuously remain vigilant. Managing the impact of COVID-19 in the workplace includes implementing a plan that is customized to your business needs. Moreover, consistently reviewing your plan’s effectiveness will help you identify areas of improvement.
To address the challenges of a safe return to the workplace, companies are encouraged to continue monitoring CDC guidelines and establish safety protocols. Helping to facilitate this process, CorVel now provides new services to help your organization achieve optimal workforce health and productivity. Learn about those services here.
