Although we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel, it cannot be denied that we cannot continue getting by with the way we live pre-coronavirus pandemic. And it has become apparent with the shift of selected areas around the country from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ). From being cooped up for a long period of time, residents undergoing ECQ finally have the luxury to indulge on activities that was deemed a norm back then.
Health and safety measures remain strictly imposed on both levels of quarantine. With GCQ at hand, resume of businesses are subdued and careful as one wrong move might lead us back to square one. However, observing a certain level of cautiousness can only go so far with respect to the economy.
With that said, businesses are slowly going back to ‘normal’ — or what is the acceptable definition of that nowadays. The positive COVID-19 cases supposedly drops soon. The cars will dominate the roads again; and workforces will going back to their niches.
Since the outbreak struck, laborers across the globe had no choice but bring their professional life to the place where they eat, sleep, and arrange personal matters. Now, with the ‘new normal’ being imposed, how does one adjust with all the norms being introduced?
In this article, you will find what you can expect in the workplace once the quarantine relaxes.
1. Social distancing everywhere.
From transportation services to elevators to the office, expect that the social distancing will be continuously be practiced everywhere.
Social distancing is the act of allotting at least 6 feet of space between you and the people around you. So long as there is an ongoing pandemic, this precautionary measure is going to be actively enforced wherever.
Learn more about the basics of social distancing here.
2. New seating arrangements.
In accordance with social distancing, office managements have already been drafting new seat plans for the workplace. This will be effective once operations resume and should be followed strictly. Failure to comply can only put the mandated health and safety precautions down the drain.
3. Stricter health measures.
Unlike before when an employee is allowed to report at work despite feeling under the weather, health conditions are taken more seriously than ever.
Among the first symptoms a COVID-19 case exhibits are the following: fever, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, and headache. With that in mind, projects involving boosting the immune systems of employees is a possibility as well.
Observing body temperature of visitors upon entering an establishment will remain mandated.
4. Step up in hygiene practices.
To boost the prevention of transmitting the virus, areas around the office will have sanitary items in stock. These items include alcohol, first-aid kit, hand sanitizers, tissue, soap. etc.
5. Comprehensive plan of incentives.
A more structured plan of the employee compensation might be imposed to some companies as well. These include, but not limited to, wages, leaves, and benefits.
Amid the quarantine, employers shined through the acts they have manifested. Some continued being the fair bosses that they are, while the others exposed themselves with the malpractices they have exhibited.
The media have become portals where laborers have voice out the kind of treatment they received during the time of crisis. Employees are now more alert and curious with what they actually should be receiving from the other end.
6. Remote setting
Since working from home has already been tried and tested for a long period of time, going digital is very likely. Companies will develop with a contingency plan that will take effect once a crisis,or anything that would require a remote setting, ever happens again.
Photo Sources: elements.envato.com, Department of Transportation, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine News Agency