In a world that’s been rocked by COVID-19, it’s safe to say that things won’t be the way they once were for a long time, if ever. One of the biggest changes that COVID-19 has brought about is the installation of protective screens in all manner of public spaces. Even in office spaces where the same group of people gather every day, protective screens are a good idea. If you want to install protective screens in your office, there are a few tips that can help make the job much easier.
Be Aware of Contagion Areas
Screens are put into place primarily to interrupt high contagion areas. What areas are most frequented by your staff? The receptionist desk, break rooms counters, and employee desks are all areas where people pass through frequently and can leave their germs behind for the next person to pick up. These are the areas you’ll want to put up barriers. This not only protects the next person to pass through, it also protects the people who are put at the most risk due to the social nature of their jobs. HR representatives, receptionists, and others in your office should all be protected while doing their work.
Utilize Lightweight Materials
When choosing materials for your office’s protective screens, it’s important to choose lightweight materials to allow for easy installation and easy movement if the need arises. Materials like Perspex that are lightweight, easy to cut, and provide a hard and easily cleanable surface are ideal for an office environment. Just be sure to have any necessary cuts done professionally so that the resulting edges aren’t sharp.
Keep Your Employees On Board
For many employees, protective screens will require a change in the way they do their jobs. This means that you’ll need to work hard to keep your employees on the same page so that everyone benefits equally from the new protective measures. In addition, you may need to enact specific guidelines to ensure that each individual works to protect the health and safety of every other individual.
Why Bother?
Although installing protective screens is an unexpected expense, it’s an important measure to help keep your employees healthy. Even with masks, germs can still travel between employees, especially if they sneeze or cough. If you have protective screens in place, though, it makes it much harder for germs to infect other employees, meaning that you’ll be able to minimize sick time, even in the middle of a pandemic.
As a successful business owner, it’s important to show your employees that you care for them. In normal times, a show of care might look like a bonus or a holiday party. In these exceptional times, though, showing that you care means providing your employees with the tools they need to stay safe while they do their jobs.
