7 Tips for making your office space safe during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has surely laid a significant impact on our daily lives. Earlier in the year, it forced the whole world into a state of lockdown and all commercial and non-essential services were stopped for indefinite periods of time. All offices were closed and people were advised to work from home.

However, the world has gradually got back on track and almost all the services have resumed back to normal. But let’s not forget, the pandemic is not over yet and the risk of virus transmission is still a big threat in office spaces. Thus, make sure you follow all safety protocols in order to ensure the health and wellness of all your employees.

Here are some of the most important tips you should follow to make your office space safe during the pandemic:

1. Follow social distancing

First and foremost, make sure all the people inside the office premises, whether staff or employees, follow the social distancing norms. They should be advised to maintain a distance of at least one meter from each other for reducing the risk of infection.

2. Disinfect your workplace frequently

All the surfaces in your office space should be disinfected properly and regularly. Surfaces like door knobs, workstations, microwaves, taps, etc. are some of the high touch areas that may contain the virus. Therefore, they should be disinfected thoroughly. Moreover, you should also make sure that the office floor is swept with a disinfectant multiple times during the day.

3. Ensure proper ventilation

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests all offices to increase ventilation in their premises during the pandemic. The HVAC system should be cleaned and heating in the winters should be adjusted appropriately. Make sure that all the doors and windows are opened regularly for cross ventilation.

4. Wear a mask at all times

Masks are the most important gear till the time a vaccine for COVID-19 is not available. Thus, make sure that all the employees in your office properly wear a mask at all times. Masks are essential to minimize the risk of virus transmission as they trap the respiratory droplets released via coughing, sneezing, or talking.

5. Wash hands regularly

Washing hands frequently with soap and water is as important as wearing a mask. Employees at the workplace tend to touch many surfaces and the risk of catching the virus cannot be ignored. Thus, they should be advised to wash their hands properly and regularly. You can also place alcohol-based sanitizers in all common areas, meeting rooms, doors, etc. for the employees.

6. Minimize contact

Advise all your employees to limit contact and avoid actions like handshakes or hugs while greeting each other. In fact, encourage your employees to get old school and greet each other with a smile and Namaste!

7. Use the power of UV-lights

Office spaces can also decide on installing luminaires equipped with UV-C lights. These are some of the best commercial lighting solutions during the time of pandemic due to their disinfecting properties. For instance, the ULTRARAY™ range of UV lights from Wipro Lighting is capable of eliminating almost 99.9% of viruses and pathogens from surfaces as well as from the air.

Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease. It is not only a potential threat for an individual but also for their loved ones and fellow employees. Thus, employees should always stay wary of symptoms like fever, dry cough, and tiredness. If they experience any discomfort, they should get their tests done without any delays. Always remember that preventive measures, hygienic behaviours, and proactive actions are our best defence against the virus.