This autumn looks nothing like any we’ve had before due to the wake of the pandemic. While school may have gone back into session for many, it’s largely a hybrid of both in-person and remote learning.
Framingham offices are experiencing a similar environment, with many trying to get employees back into the office safely, but still relying on remote work from home as well.
Approximately 64% of workers prefer a hybrid office/home work schedule to never going back into the office.
Thanks to cloud technology and remote security solutions like Cloud Care Pro™, businesses can have the best of both worlds and use a hybrid home/office working model as they want or need to.
But the big question remains for many employees that now find themselves returning to the office after 6+ months working remotely, “Will I be safe?”
We’ve got several tips below to help you feel more confident about keeping your office work area COVID-free.
Using a Layered “Swiss Cheese” Strategy for COVID Safety at Work
It’s important to think of safeguards against getting infected with COVID-19 as you do safety measures in your car. Meaning, that it takes a layered strategy.
For instance, wearing a seat belt provides a certain amount of protection, but not 100%. The same goes for ensuring your brakes are in good working order. Another safety precaution is having air bags. Each of these used together reduces your risk of significant harm.
The same is true of COVID safety measures. Wearing a mask offers a certain level of protection, but not 100%. Washing your hands frequently when used with a mask increases your protection.
So, what do we mean by the “Swiss Cheese” strategy? It’s a model that was actually developed a few decades ago for risk mitigation in hospitals and other industries, and it champions the same layered strategy.
The Cleveland Clinic adopted the model to COVID safety at work for their “Return to Work Amid COVID-19” guide.
Here are some of the layers to include in your own strategy to return to work safely and feel more secure while working at the office.
Wear a Comfortable Mask
Because the coronavirus is airborne and can be passed in aerosols, wearing a mask provides protection that goes both ways – keeping you safe and others safe.
The key is to find a comfortable mask that you won’t be tugging at all day and that allows you to breathe easy while wearing.
It’s also important to wear one that is layered if you’re using a cloth mask and not go too thin. Here are some mask recommendations.
Stay Socially Distanced at Least 6 Feet
Many employers will have taken care of this item however, you may still need to remind chatty co-workers. If you need to, put tape or yarn around at a 6 feet radius around your working area.
Remember social distancing guidelines when walking through the office, going to lunch, etc.
Disinfect Your Workspace
If you want to be absolutely sure that you won’t pick up coronavirus from touch surfaces in your work area, it’s a good idea to disinfect them regularly – perhaps every morning before you start work.
- For electronics: Do not use bleach or water, instead use a solution of 70% or more isopropyl alcohol
- For non-electronics: Use an approved disinfecting cleaner for COVID-19 (here’s a list from the EPA)
Wash Your Hands More Than Usual
Hand Washing can reduce respiratory infections by 20% and is another effective layer to include in your strategy to stay safe at work.
Soap and water can break down the virus, so wash your hands whenever you’ve touched any public surfaces (light switches, elevator buttons, door handles, etc.). If it’s not convenient to use soap and water, then keep hand sanitizer at the ready.
Buy or Make a Desk Shield
One more layer that can help you feel more protected from COVID-19 at work is to use a desk shield around your work area.
Desk shields can easily be found online and there are also several YouTube tutorials on how to make your own from PVC pipe and plexiglass.
A desk shield can be very helpful if your office is small, making it difficult for your employer to distance desks. It can also help you feel safer if a co-worker comes too close and doesn’t realize they’re closer than six feet.
Get Help with Remote Teams & Tech Support
Pro Tech Guy is here for your company during the adjustments everyone is making due to the pandemic. We offer expert remote support to keep your devices secure and help your users out of a jam whenever they need us.
Contact us today for expert help with your technology. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.