The coronavirus may not have gone away, but businesses across Europe are preparing to try and get back to some level of normality. As they make their return, how are they preparing the workplace to adjust to the new normal?
Here, we’ll look at how the EU is preparing to get back to work after Covid.
Social distancing and PPE
The UK may have been out of full lockdown for a while now, but other countries across Europe are only just easing their restrictions. Spain for example, is just starting to get out of lockdown since March as Covid cases finally ease.
France, Spain and Germany all have similar guidelines in terms of social distancing and PPE in the workplace. Most countries are instructing workers to stay at least 1m apart. However, in Germany this is slightly extended to 1.5m and in Spain it is 2m.
The use of PPE is also recommended to workers. Additionally, in Italy workers are having their body temperature checked to watch out for signs of the virus.
Ensuring the workplace is safe
All EU countries are taking workplace safety seriously. As well as introducing social distancing measures and PPE, businesses are also focusing on sanitation and general safety.
Hand sanitising stations around the workplace are aiding employees in keeping their hands clean. Notices are also being put up to ensure workers know to throw tissues in the bin and other appropriate safety measures.
General safety is also being prioritised. Businesses want to ensure that computer accessories and equipment are safely tucked away to reduce the risk of slips and falls. If employees injure themselves and need to go to hospital, it increases their risk of catching the virus.
Offering remote working
Most European countries are allowing their employees to continue working remotely where they can. France is one of the only exceptions, recommending all workers return to the workplace. However, in most cases businesses have seen a high level of benefits of remote working.
It can lower overheads, boost productivity and improve employee satisfaction. Therefore, many businesses will be seeing fewer workers return to the office environment. This will do a lot to prevent the spread of the virus.
These are just some of the measure’s workplaces are taking to ensure they get back to business safely. Keeping employees safe should be a main priority. While there are still fears over a second wave of the virus in winter, it is imperative employers throughout the EU keep their workers safe.
