Staffing Strategies for COVID-19 Recovery: When to Bring Staff Back

When Should You Bring Your Staff Back?
While many businesses are eager to give employee’s the all-clear to return to work, there are some key considerations to take into account first. With the understanding that each company is unique and there is not a one-size-fits-all sizing strategy in the wake of COVID-19, there are some general guidelines that one can follow. Important considerations employers during the post-COVID-19 workplace include:

• Are your workers public-facing?
• Is it absolutely necessary for each employee to come to work?
• Does your workplace make social distancing difficult?
• Do you have a wellness policy and COVID-19 precautions?
• Does your business have adequate cleaning supplies?
• Does your business have the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
• Do some parts of your workplace get more traffic than others (breakrooms, bathrooms, main thoroughfares, etc.)

Each of these considerations should be weighed carefully when you make the decision to bring your workers back. Minimizing exposure to COVID-19 risk is important, even as the number of cases fall.
Take the necessary COVID-19 precautions
Though things may be improving, it’s still crucial to ensure your workers are safe. When in doubt, error on the side of caution when it comes to proper hygiene and social distancing in the wake of COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some effective precautions include:

• Maintain six feet of space between you and other people when at all possible
• Wash hands more thoroughly and frequently than usual
• Sterilize surfaces, particularly in highly-trafficked areas in your workplace
• Wear the recommended PPE
• Do not touch your face
• Do not come to work if you’re sick, even if you don’t think it’s COVID-19
• Minimize multi-use products

Remind employees of these precautions as staff returns to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Preventing a second wave of COVID-19 
The 1918 influenza pandemic taught us that a second and even third wave of diseases can occur. While we may start to see a decline in cases of COVID-19, it’s important to stay up to date on health and safety guidelines to help prevent the possibility of a second wave. Fortunately, experts and researchers indicate that a second wave of COVID-19 can be avoided by following the COVID-19 precautions listed above.
staffing agency seattle for the COVID-19 Recovery
When it becomes safer for your staff to return to your workplace, different strategies will fit different types of business. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting your employees’ health is a top priority for employers, and the wrong recovery strategy could result in hazards. Here are some strategies for minimizing the risk of infection as employees return to work.
Stagger schedules
Staggering schedules and flexible hours can reduce exposure to contaminants, as it reduces the number of employees present at the same place at the same time. Consider adding swing shifts, mid-shifts, or late shifts to stagger your workers’ schedules. Setting flexible hours and schedule staggering may present some logistical challenges, so be prepared with contingency plans.