The continuous decline of daily COVID cases in the Philippines has eased restrictions to enable mobility and economic rebound. Vaccination rollout in the country has seen a steady rate, with vaccination of kids aged 5 to 11 now underway. In addition, hospital care utilization rate and COVID-19 bed utilization rates are both treading downward trends.
The country’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has continuously eased lockdown measures, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), allowing offices to reopen. Companies are now getting ready to enforce a safe return to workplace policy and adopt a hybrid work environment. In a hybrid model, employees are given the option to work from home or come to the office during the week. This model, which is expected to be adopted widely as a viable post-pandemic work setup, is planted on the goal of providing workers flexibility and support.
Importance of Office Safety Protocols
Safety of the workers should be the priority when implementing a return-to-office mandate. Given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it’s expected that some employees are still hesitant to return to the office. Office safety measures, such as opening offices in phases, should be observed to
Companies must ensure that employers are informed of changing conditions to maneuver a safe and healthy return to the office environment. Different offices have various COVID-19 workplace guidelines, but standard procedures include temperature checks before entering the building.
Preparing your Office for a Safe Return to Workplace
The new normal calls for businesses to abide by the occupational safety and health standards set by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Whether you have your own office space or are renting a coworking space in Metro Manila, the health and wellness of your employees should be the priority to ensure a safe transition from a remote work setup.
The Philippines will unlikely lift its mask mandate until the pandemic sees the light at the end of the tunnel. However, masking it up is just not enough. Here are some office safety tips for COVID-19 to maintain a safe return to work transition in your office space:
Social Distancing is Key
The COVID-19 virus spreads quickly between people, especially in close contact and not wearing masks. The risk of transmission is higher for those who remain in close contact for longer than 15 minutes, especially indoors. A physical distancing of at least 1-meter distance is highly recommended in any enclosed setting.
Compared to working from home, where the workers have complete control of their surroundings, it’s challenging to control other people in an office to practice physical distancing. Hence, assigning workstations one or two seats apart is advisable. Limit people who are in the pantry or conference room to prevent overcrowding.
Install Proper Ventilation
Workplace transmission of COVID-19 continues to be an obstacle companies face. In 2021, DOLE issued guidelines on ventilation for workplaces to prevent and control the spread of the deadly virus. Among the guidelines for air-conditioned rooms include (1) running the ventilation system for at least 30 minutes before and after spaces are occupied; (2) enough exhaust fans relative to the room volume are available; and (3) an established cleaning and maintenance program for mechanical systems should be established.
DOLE also advised offices to change aircon filters regularly to clear recirculated air. Companies are also mandated to conduct qualitative and quantitative ventilation assessments within the office premises to ensure better air quality and improve airflow.
Amp up on Health Measures
To implement a safe return to work experience for your employees, enhanced health measures must be set in place and observed all the time. The Department of Health (DOH) advised office spaces to install hand hygiene and sanitation facilities to uprear disinfection measures. Companies are also encouraged to set up screening or triage areas at different entry points in the office.
Hiring a professional cleaning company as an added layer of protection for your employees is also a great idea. It’s better to take extra precautions than go through the return-to-office unprepared to suffer the consequences later.
Go Touchless
A safe return-to-office in the new normal requires some radical change, and this would mean leveraging on technology and how some upgrades can boost confidence and peace of mind to embrace the new normal of the corporate workforce. This could include enforcing touchless access ways to eliminate common touchpoints within the building.
Support Your Employees
Hearing out workers’ insights is a fantastic way to assess their sentiments. It’s also a great way to reinforce company culture because employees feel valued when they feel that their needs are considered during decision-making processes. If your company can afford it, you can make testing and vaccination available to your employees.
Find Flexible and Fully Serviced Office Solutions
As the world gears up for a post-pandemic work environment, companies with leased office spaces are expected to shell out a significant amount to implement these enhanced office space safety measures.
Amid bouncing back from the impacts of the pandemic, coworking space is a great solution to ensure business continuity, employee safety, and transition to a hybrid work model. In Metro Manila, coworking space is a great way.
The hybrid workforce model has proven to affect employers’ ability to attract and retain good talent, to offer employees opportunities to be innovative, and to ensure productivity.
Employees feel appreciated knowing their company has implemented these improved health and safety measures to welcome you back to the office. There are still risks tied to returning to the office even in a hybrid workforce, but companies investing money and resources to minimize those risks prove that they value their workforce.
If you are on the hunt for safe, flexible, and fully serviced office spaces, M Spaces is perfect for your team, no matter how big or small it is. Conveniently located in Ortigas business district, M Spaces has private offices and conference rooms for rent for your business operations and team huddles.
Browse through our website to know more about rates and services. You can also email info@mspacesph.com to inquire.
