How IT and ITes Companies are Ensuring Employee Safety in Lockdown 4.0

As a fallout of the fear around the Coronavirus, the majority of office-goers are reluctant to go back to their offices until they feel the sting of Coronavirus has been blunted. IT and ITes, and other companies as well are, therefore, adopting drastic measures to make the workplaces safe and welcoming for the returning employees in Lockdown 4.0.

Office transport

Public transport is currently not operational and the few employees that are going to office are using their private vehicles. The fear of infection has prompted people to avoid using public transport in the near future, which means a large number of employees will be reluctant to travel to their workplaces. Many companies are considering providing transport facilities to their employees once the offices open. But, again the office buses will accommodate only a fraction of the total seating capacity--to allow adherence to social distancing norms.

Screening to allow access

IT and ITes and other companies will make wearing masks and gloves mandatory. In fact, they will become a part of the outfit! Access to the office premises will be controlled with guided elevators to take employees to the desired floors. Office doors will have ushers to let employees in--but not before they have undergone thermal screening and have sanitized their hands thoroughly. Further, companies are considering the use of antimicrobial surfaces that are commonly used in health care facilities.

No more open offices

The evolved offices will not see a complete demise of the open office system due to real estate constraints, but the workstations will likely be separated by plexiglass walls. Individual cubicles are not a commercially viable option and companies will need to use their real estates judiciously.

Companies will look to maximize the use of the available space in order to adhere to the social distancing norms, while also accommodating the maximum number of employees. That said, companies are requesting most of their employees to continue working from home and report to office only when collaboration is required. Many IT and ITes companies are preparing rosters to enable their employees to attend the office on rotation.

Use of apps, platforms, and surveillance systems

As people start coming to the office, there’s a real danger of the infection spreading. To monitor the spread of the virus, companies are considering taking preventive measures such as thermal screening of employees, sneeze guards, one-way walkways, and doing away with buffet lunch to prevent overcrowding.

Companies are ready to invest in platforms and apps that help screen employees for COVID19 symptoms. Depending on the results, employees are advised to stay at home or go to the office. It is possible that companies may deploy surveillance systems--such as sensors--in the office premises. These systems will enable companies to keep a watch on employee movement in the office and alert the employees when they get too close.

Adjusting to the new normal will take time

With so many changes to adhere to, adjusting to the new office environment may take a while as was the case when work from home was suddenly thrust upon everyone. When employees do return to the office, they will need time to unlearn the earlier methods and understand the new expectations. Companies can consider taking orientation sessions to help returning employees familiarize themselves to the new normal.

The article has been written by Neetu Katyal, Content and Marketing Consultant

She can be reached on LinkedIn.