As I discussed in my recent post, for many working from home is becoming the “new normal” – and the government has advised that people who can work from home should continue to do so for the foreseeable future. 

Some sectors have adjusted relatively smoothly to homeworking, and are even embracing this new way of working as a near-permanent part of their business models going forwards. 

My own experience of transitioning to homeworking has been extremely positive. There have been a few hiccups along the way, mostly technology-related, but on the whole I think am adapting well - and speaking with my colleagues and other trainee solicitors in my firm, they seem to feel the same way.

However, other industries operate with business models that simply don’t (and can’t) accommodate homeworking.  Industries like healthcare, manufacturing and retail need their employees to be “on site” to properly function. 

So where employees in those industries are required to work, what measures can be taken to ensure the workplace is safe and social distancing can be maintained?

Review company policies:  before employees are required to return, employers should assess the workplace and, if possible, update their health and safety policies to reflect the government’s working safely guidance.  This is of course easier said than done, as the government’s advice is constantly evolving, however it will be hugely important for employers to stay attuned to the guidance and to keep their working practices as up to date as possible.

Cleaning:  the message from the outset has been that practising proper hygiene is one of the simplest ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19.  Employers should ensure work spaces are cleaned frequently and high contact objects (keyboards, shared equipment, door handles) are given particular attention.  Employees should have facilities for washing their hands where entering and leaving the building.

Social distancing:  there is no “one size fits all” way of ensuring social distancing is maintained.  Some of the more obvious examples are one way walk ways (and with that more entrances and exits to buildings), barriers between work spaces and altering seating plans so there is more room between desks in open plan offices. Communal kitchens and shared utensils will be a thing of the past, and employers will need to think about changing their shift patterns to prevent overcrowding.

For lots of organisations this won’t be easy, and there’s certainly no quick fix. Businesses will need to commit to redesigning office space and shaking up the status quo in terms of their working practices, but it is certainly doable.