Coronavirus Return To Work Plan for a safe and legal working environment.
Have you considered what your companies Coronavirus Return To Work Plan is going to look like?
As we write this article (May 5th), at NORI HR and Employment Law, we have noticed in our network meetings, conversations with clients and national press speculation, there is a possibility employee’s could be in a position to begin to return to their work places.
At present, the UK are still observing social distancing and only travelling to work as a matter of last resort in accordance with Government guidelines. However, to some, there is an air of optimism restrictions could be lifted soon.
To others however, this could cause concern and anxiety for many personal reasons.
What we do know, is that Employers need to start thinking about a Coronavirus Return To Work Plan immediately.
From communicating with employees, to changing standard working processes, or ordering new and additional supplies, to negotiating with stakeholders, this could take a number of weeks to complete.
To reiterate, as we write, there has been no decision made by Government, though speculation suggests there may be a change on the horizon.
So how are you going to plan to make your workplace a safe and legal place for your employees?
We have listed below, several areas of consideration to support your planning. For more detailed support you may need to consult your insurance provider or sector regulatory body.
Your Employees:
- How do your employees feel about the prospect of returning to a public place?
- How will you liaise and communicate your Return To Work Plan?
- What opportunities will you provide for employee ideas and feedback?
Process:
- Will employees return over a staged time frame or by department?
- Will there be any alterations you need to make to work flow processes and how you interact internally?
- Is there any new or additional health and safety paperwork required?
- How do you handle any flexible working requests where employees may want to work from home indefinitely?
Practicalities:
- How will employees get to work? Do they rely on public transport or car share which may prevent access to and from work
- How do employees clock-in when on site? Does this need to be reviewed or changed?
- How will you manage communal areas for employees and/or public visitors?
- Kitchen areas
- Break out rooms
- Corridors
- Toilets
- Reception areas
- Delivery / loading bays
Supplies:
- What products or safety equipment will you have to provide that you may not have previously provided e.g. cleaning products, signage, zonal markings?
- What products will you have to increase supplies of, or restrict?
- Do you need to bring in external specialist providers such as skilled consultants to support employees personal health.
Stakeholders:
- How will you support employees that may be under pressure from clients, customers, suppliers or other stakeholders that do not appreciate your new processes or procedures?
- Do you work in a shared office space and if so, will your landlord and co-habitants integrate with your requirements?
- How will you continue to communicate with all employees if you are managing a stager return to work process?
Compliance:
- Insurance considerations
- PPE (Personal Protection Equipment such as masks, gloves etc)
- Health and Safety executive
There are just a few considerations to be made.
For a full list of considerations based on your specific business, you can contact any of our team at NORI HR and Employment Law and we will be happy to support you.
We have a range of support services available including HR Consultancy, HR Business Partner, HR On-Site, and Employment Law documentation.
In the meantime, please continue to follow Government advice, stay safe and look after your employees.
Contact any of our team on 01254 947829 or complete the form below.
External Resource:
Coronavirus HMRC website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19