A Few Thoughts on Navigating the Muddy Waters to Reopening your Business and Keeping Employees Safe

Are you wondering how to reopen your business as most states reopen or already have? How do you keep everyone safe, employees and clients? Your state and the CDC have guidelines to help you answer these questions.

The CDC guidelines are difficult to wade through and differ whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated. The difference in state policies makes the waters muddier. The continuing rhetoric around vaccination looms as one of the most troubling issues.

The latest survey shows most small to medium-sized businesses will encourage vaccination and ask employees to self-report. The recommendation for employers is to emphasize privacy around vaccine status. Employees will discuss the vaccine and pandemic, and confidentiality may help reduce conflict.

Employee safety is a concern, as there will likely be a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated employees in the office. OSHA recommends COVID-19 workplace safety focus on unvaccinated and at-risk workers. At-risk employees have conditions leaving them vulnerable to COVID-19, even if they’re vaccinated.

OSHA recommends your company have a COVID-19 protection policy. All your employees need to know what to do to keep everyone safe. Many manufacturers already have workplace safety moments, so this may be a good time for all businesses to begin. The basic protections remain to wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and adequate ventilation.

For a successful business reopening, recommendations include planning well ahead of time and inform employees of your safety policy. If you plan a hybrid strategy, some work from home mixed with in-office time, detail the specifics in your planning. Over 50% of knowledge workers value flexibility and are ready to find another job if they don’t get it.

Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.