As the summer and the seasonal vacations are coming to an end, company leaders are considering how to restart their business operations and safely return to the physical workplace in the new normal caused by COVID-19.
In a recent survey of 100 executives, respondents expect most of their employees to be working on-site by December. Here’re five essential tips to help you navigate this process and ensure the maximum safety of your teams in the new normal.
1. Secure fresh airflow
“Ventilation is an important factor in preventing the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading indoors, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Experts Recommend
The experts stress the importance of allowing more fresh air in the office buildings for limiting the spread of the virus.
What you can do? Consider opening doors and windows regularly if possible and safe to do so. Another major recommendation is to ensure that ventilation systems in your facility operate properly and are carefully maintained.
What we did at Campus X
Back in July, we have successfully implemented various large-scale measures, including the massive reconstruction of our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. This allows the flow of even more fresh air across our premises. All air-conditioning systems at Campus X (chillers, HVAC-systems, etc.) are undergoing regular and thorough antimicrobial disinfection.
2. Improve air quality
“UVC light can be highly effective against airborne coronaviruses, including COVID-19,” concludes new research at Columbia University.
The safe form of ultraviolet light killed over 99.9% of the exposed viruses during the research.
Experts Recommend
Since the novel coronavirus is believed to be able to travel via respiratory droplets, local and global health authorities recommend the use of electronic devices to disinfect the air such as safe UVC lamps and air purifiers.
What we did at Campus X
In July, we have introduced premium UVC lamps that are highly effective in breaking down the DNA of micro-organisms and cleaning the air from viruses, bacteria, allergens, mold, and mites.
Moreover, we have employed a leading air purification technology, which uses a safe and short electrical discharge to eliminate viruses. The high-class air purifiers and UVC lamps are placed across our meeting rooms, offices, and shared spaces. They work 24/7 and safely disinfect the air.
3. Disinfect regularly
”Regular cleaning plays a vital role in limiting the transmission of COVID-19,” state the global and local health authorities.
Experts Recommend
To increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, especially frequently touched ones like door handles, light switches, work surfaces, remote controls, and electronic devices. Also, one of the main protective measures is the regular hand washing and disinfection.
What you can do? Encourage your employees to regularly clean their desks and personal belongings with alcohol-based disinfectants. Inform them about the importance of frequent hand washing and impeccable hygiene at the workplace and beyond.
What we did at Campus X
We perform daily meticulous cleaning and disinfection with increased frequency and focus on high-touch areas. This includes private and shared offices (except for personal desks for privacy reasons), meeting rooms, kitchens and common areas, floors, high-touch areas, and many more. All packages that are received at the Campus X reception are also being disinfected before we contact receivers for pick-up.
4. Encourage social distancing
“COVID-19 can spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. By minimizing the amount of close contact, we have with others, we reduce our chances of catching the virus and spreading it to our loved ones and within our community,” say the health authorities.
Experts Recommend
Try to stay at least 2 meters (3 steps) away from other people.
Use personal protective gear in closed spaces.
If sick or feeling unwell, stay at home.
What you can do?
Consider flexible work hours, rotational shifts, or renting a satellite office so that fewer employees are at the same location at once.
Increase awareness about social distancing (the 1-2 meters rule).
Ensure safe distance between seats during meetings or encourage employees to shift in-person meetings to virtual meetings whenever possible.
What we did at Campus X
Following local and international health authorities’ recommendations and best practices, we’ve placed careful guidelines and signage across our buildings. For example, we recommend that the elevators are used by no more than 2 people at the same time, and raise awareness about the importance of social distancing and wearing personal protective gear indoors.
Meanwhile, we encourage prompt reporting on flu-like symptoms and advise people to stay at home if they feel unwell. We have also supplied contactless temperature measurement and instructed the security to return people with visible flu-like symptoms.
5. Ensure regular health checks
“RT-PCR is currently the only available means to detect the presence of the SARS‑CoV‑2, the viral agent responsible for the COVID‑19 disease, in the organism,” according to experts.
Experts Recommend
Introducing widespread testing and effective contact tracing, including cases with no or only mild symptoms, are key components of an effective post-lockdown strategy.
What you can do? Encourage and provide opportunities for your teams to test themselves regularly to ensure peace of mind.
What we did at Campus X
To protect our community in the new normal, we have introduced onsite PCR Pool Tests for our member companies and their teams. Every week, we facilitate the whole process, which is conducted by leading certified lab and personnel. Here’re a few benefits of the regular PCR checks at Campus X:
Using the most reliable approach available – PCR tests (slow tests) as they have the highest reliability to detect the virus at an early stage and protect the community.
Securing a lab-like experience onsite – We work with a leading private lab to provide you with the best experience on-site. Without the hassle and possible exposure to the virus while waiting in the lab. We take care of everything – the collaboration with the lab personnel, providing safe physical spaces, creating and maintaining an easy-to-follow testing schedule, and more.
Cost efficiency – we are offering our members the opportunity to conduct mass testing, which reduces the cost per person 5-10 times.
Restart safely
Planning your return to the office requires careful consideration of all safety requirements. But you’re not alone. At Campus X, we’re 100% focused on supporting our members, while keeping them safe and productive in the new normal.
Whether you are looking for a primary or satellite office or a flexible workspace to use just a few days a month, we’ve got you covered. Our seasoned team will help you get maximum safety and business flexibility with no long-term contracts.
Have questions? Get in touch now.
