Things to consider before reopening your workplace

As government regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic begin to loosen, employers with remote operations will have more opportunities to transition people back into the physical workplace. Here are key issues to keep in mind.

No one-size-fits-all solution

To facilitate employees’ return to the workplace, you should develop a reopening plan and enact policies to manage numerous considerations including:

• Fulfilling your business operation targets;
• Complying with ongoing legal and regulatory obligations; and
• Preserving employee satisfaction and the desired company culture.

Because each employer will have different needs based on industry, size, state and local regulations, and unique practical demands, there is no one-size-fits-all standard for reopening.

‘The way we were’ may no longer work

Before reaching the question of how to transition back to the physical workplace, you should first examine whether a full or partial remote workforce can provide operational efficiencies or cost savings that aren’t available in the physical space. If a transition is appropriate, you shouldn’t assume it means an immediate return to prepandemic operations.

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed the practices and expectations of both employees and consumers, and your company should account for the shifts as you develop the plan. While your business may be legally permitted to open its doors again on a certain date, it may be smarter to reopen on a later date, at partial capacity, or in stages.