Returning to the Workplace after Lockdown: How to Work in Office during Coronavirus

With the lockdown almost over now, it’s time to head back to our offices. And while the quarantine days are behind us, the disease is certainly going to stay for a longer time. So, it’s necessary to adapt new practices to stay safe and healthy all while being productive and efficient in the office.

Here are a few tips for all the office goers to remember while returning to work after the Covid-19 lockdown ends:

1. Be Aware

It’s very important to know about the virus that we are fighting against. Since we all know that the vaccine is still months away, the best way to stay safe is to avoid getting exposed to the virus. COVID-19 is a highly transmittable disease and spreads through respiratory droplets of infected people by coughing or sneezing. Thus, being aware at the workplace is of prime importance.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.

2. Avoid close contact

We know that it’s been a while since you last saw your colleagues and that your first impulse on seeing them might be to shake hands, give a hug or pat their backs, but remember that while doing so you might be putting your and their lives at risk.

Make sure that there is a minimum of 6 feet or double arms distance between you and your co-workers at all times.

Avoid gatherings, crowds and groups. Maintain social distancing both on and off work. That gossip session can wait till later.

3. Cover your mouth and nose all the time.

Conversations, meetings, conferences are inevitable at the workplace. Masks and gloves will safeguard you from potential risks. Wearing a mask will not only restrict the droplets from spreading, but will also prevent you from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

4. Maintain proper hygiene

• Wash your hands often with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a common space like reception, meeting rooms, canteen etc, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

• Sanitize your hands regularly with a sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol. Remind your coworkers to do the same.

• Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow when you don’t have a tissue nearby. Dispose off the used tissue immediately.

5. Disinfecting your workspace

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least twice a day. This includes anything and everything in your workspace like desks, drawer knobs, switches, handles, phones, keyboards, mouse, stationary etc.

6. Stay energized and focused

Months of work from home has changed our routines and lifetimes. This pandemic has made us more lethargic, sapped our energy and has left us fatigued.

Thus, on returning to our offices, it is very necessary to be active, energetic and focused. This may not happen overnight but gradually by changing our eating habits, exercising more, having an optimistic attitude and adapting to a healthier lifestyle, we may get back in the groove slowly but surely.

7. Taking care of your mental health

Optimum mental health is as important as being physically healthy.

A Pandemic can most certainly take a toll on our mental health leading to increased stress and anxiety levels

So the next time you find yourself anxious or tense at the office, take out 10 mins for yourself to calm down.

The best way to feel better immediately is to meditate and focus on your breath for a few minutes. Or you can also do a few quick exercises at your desk itself.

8. Revamp your workspace

Redesigning your workspace to make it more positive may give you a much-needed change or inspiration to get your creative juices flowing at work.

Working during a pandemic can be very tough for most of us, thus creating a working area that soothes us, energizes us, and helps us stay focused is very helpful.

9. Give Coronavirus training to employees

The virus is new and so are our ways to deal with it’s impact. We are now required to take a lot of precautions especially when going to a shared workspace can spell health danger. With social distancing norms and masks being mandatory, a lot of people are puzzled by what exactly the do’s and don’ts of coronavirus that they need to follow.

As an employer, you can make it easier for your workforce by setting clear instructions and making information related to office behaviours very direct and comprehensible so that all your employees are on the same page with it.

10. Increase focus on employee health and wellness

Working employees are going through a lot of anxiety thinking about them catching the coronavirus and taking it home with them. The danger and risk thus expands to their families and children as well. One way you can keep this anxiety from affecting work is by introducing workplace wellness programs in the office for your workforce. With regular physical, mental and spiritual health sessions, you will be able to help them get through this situation, boost employee morale and also prevent physiological mental issues keeping your workforce healthy and happy.

Most importantly, Have empathy

Don’t expect everyone to jump back into their normal office routines right away. These are unprecedented times. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, stressed and unsure about the coming days.

Especially in the workplace where you have to stay constantly productive and efficient, it’s very easy to lose motivation and have a feeling of uncertainty. Remember that we all cope in different ways and at a different pace.

Brahma Wellness

While taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe, it’s also very important to pay attention to our health, both mental and physical in the workplace.

Brahma Wellness aims to refresh its workplace wellness programs by providing both onsite and offsite programs aimed at stress management and holistic wellness. We believe that optimum wellness can only be achieved by creating balance and harmony between our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Our numerous services range from providing customized workplace wellness programs tailored according to the company’s requirements and fitting seamlessly into their work regimes. Our corporate wellness programs are distinctive, dynamic and unique to every individual catering to their mental, physical wellness and spiritual needs.

Brahma Wellness provides all in one plans. We disinfect the workplaces periodically, do coronavirus workforce trainings and in-office and online ergonomic sessions on physical, mental and spiritual wellness that feature yoga teachers, nutritionists, motivational speakers and physiotherapists and holistic healers.