As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many employers are preparing to welcome employees back to the office. Return-to-work plans will vary by company, but there are general guidelines that all businesses should follow to ensure a safe and smooth transition back to the workplace. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your office for return to work.
Parking Lot Striping
There are a few essential things to consider when preparing your office for return to work. One of those is parking lot striping. Parking lot striping ensures that employees and customers can safely navigate your parking lot. First, make sure you use high-quality paint and materials that stand up to weather and wear and tear. You also want to be sure to use reflective tape or paint so that people can see it at night.
In addition, make sure that you design your parking lot stripes in a way that makes sense for your business. For example, if you have a lot of delivery trucks, you may want to create a space near the entrance for them to park. If you have a large retail store, you may wish to develop lanes leading up to the door so customers can easily find parking spots. Creating well-designed parking lot stripes can help make your office more efficient and safe for employees and customers.
Office Space
The best way to clean your office space is to start from the top and work your way down. This means cleaning the ceiling, walls, and floors before moving on to furniture and equipment. To clean the roof, remove any cobwebs or dust bunnies with a broom or vacuum cleaner. Then use a cloth dipped in soapy water to wipe away any dirt or stains. Be sure to wring out the material well before using it again.
You should also dust off the air condition vents. If there are any issues with the air conditioner, you should consider upgrading your air conditioning. To clean the walls, start by removing any stickers or tape with a razor blade. Then use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or stains. Don't forget to also clean around light switches and door handles.
To clean the floors, start by sweeping up any debris first. Then use a mop or vacuum cleaner, and disinfect the floor surfaces afterwards if necessary.
Necessary Supplies
Planning is critical to a smooth return to work; you want to ensure you have all the necessary supplies. You might be tempted to just run to the office supply store and buy whatever you need, but take a few minutes to plan your purchases. Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also help ensure you have everything you need when you get back to work. Start by making a list of the items you'll need. This might include paper, pens, staples, tape, and other office supplies.
If you're unsure what you need, look at your old supply inventory or ask your coworkers what they use. Once you have a list, research to find the best deals. Office supply stores usually have sales throughout the year, so check online and in-store flyers before you make your purchase. Another option is to buy your supplies in bulk. This can be a great way to save money, but only if you use the stores within a reasonable amount of time.
Otherwise, you'll end up with many unused items occupying your office. Finally, be sure to pack everything up and label it appropriately. This will make it easy to find everything when needed and help keep your work area organised. Please communicate any special requests or needs to your supervisor or HR department before your return. This will help ensure everything is in place when you walk through the door on your first day back.