strategic planning to reopen your business: protecting your employees.

Can you order the necessary supplies and equipment you will need to operate safely? For instance, employees who interact with others may need personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or gloves. Accessing adequate supplies of hand sanitiser, disinfectant, and soap are also a consideration.

Can all your employees maintain the recommended physical distance while working? Do you need to install plexiglass barriers or other protective equipment to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19? 

Your return to work plan will need to be communicated with employees in detail. You must be clear about expectations and protocol changes. You may need to facilitate training on your new procedures. 

You must have a crystal clear policy for responding to sick employees.  For example:

• What is your sick leave policy?
• What will you do if someone shows up to work sick?
• When will an employee who was sick be cleared to return to work?

You need to have plans for these situations. 

Your return to work plan must be enforceable. You must provide employees with the knowledge and means to protect themselves. If mandatory rules are not followed, you must have a fair and consistent protocol to follow.