When the world was coming to grips in the wake of COVID-19, the latest variant Omicron has begun to do the rounds around the globe. Businesses that were getting back slowly into the game had to find new ways to stay afloat. Still, while the footfall is rotational and in small amounts, the world is starting to experiment with being out of its locked-down worlds. This, of course, comes with its challenges. How do companies ensure workplace safety for their employees to return to work safely, with COVID-19 still amidst us?
Workplace safety regulations
In a world where COVID-19 has grown in a non-linear fashion, with its Delta and Omicron variants, coming up with a foolproof system of safety for returning employees has been challenging. Different government bodies from all over the world have put in place guidelines that involve gradual re-entry of company staff, social distancing, personal and office hygiene, RT-PCR tests and regular health checks for employees.
Vaccine mandates
Vaccines have been made a priority in most countries regarding accessing public areas, offices, entertainment spaces, and anywhere else people can congregate in numbers. Companies with more than a hundred employees require all to be vaccinated or tested weekly. Further, employers are expected to give their workers time off for vaccinations.
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Accommodating employees
Employers have become much more flexible in managing their employees during the past two years, as the pandemic has spread worldwide. From adopting the Work-From-Home culture to hybrid setups, which involve remote jobs and in-office attendance, companies have bent some rules to keep the business flowing. But for companies to have employees return safely to the workplace, some accommodations like reserved parking, flexible schedules, reassignments and modifying job tasks have been provided. Keeping track of the latest Omicron spread will also help decide whether or not to keep offices open.
Legal considerations
With legal cases skyrocketing during the pandemic, companies and their HR departments have buckled up their legalities to remain protected during the pandemic while offering job security and COVID-safe work guidelines to their employees. Companies are maintaining an open dialogue with commercial insurance providers. Employers have vamped up their health schemes and benefits for their employees, ensuring protection during these challenging times, as the virus mutates and makes its way indiscriminately across countries. After all, companies do not want to be held liable for their employees getting infected or ill, while at the workplace.
Reference: “Navigating Workplace Safety in a COVID-19 World” | Jonathan Selby, Gen. Manager, FounderShield, Toolbox | 18 November, 2021
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