Although we’ve all had to work from home over the last 18 months or so, slowly but surely, offices are opening up again, and for those companies that remote working isn’t ideal for, or those whose employees simply prefer leaving the house to work at, the offices is a crucial thing to think about.
It may have lain empty for many months, and there will be work that has to be done. Read on to find out what you should be thinking about before re-opening.
Check The Water
Assuming you are responsible for the water within your office building, this is something that you or an expert should definitely check before any employees go back to work.
When a building is left empty, and the water is stored in a tank, that water can become stagnant. Usually the water would run through the tank and the building reasonably regularly as it is used on a daily basis, but when no one is using it, problems can occur.
One particular problem is legionella bacteria that will grow and breed in a cold water storage tank quickly. Before anyone goes back to work, it’s wise to have the water tested for legionella (which can cause a potentially fatal illness called legionnaires’ disease). Even if there is no sign of bacteria, running the taps and showers to refresh the pipework will ensure the water is not contaminated by anything else.
A Thorough Clean
Any room that has been standing empty for an extended period of time will be dusty at the very least. To make your employees – and yourself – more comfortable when you get back to work after so long away, it’s a good idea to give the office a thorough clean, ensuring that every area is scrubbed, including the windows and the carpets.
This is not going to be a quick job, and if you don’t enjoy cleaning, it’s not going to be a fun job either, but it still needs to be done. Luckily there are commercial cleaning companies who can take on the task for you.
The benefits of using a commercial cleaner include the fact that the work will be done to a high standard, and it will be done using the best products – including eco-friendly products in some cases. Plus, if you don’t have to do it yourself, that’s one less thing to think about.
Be Available
Your employees might be a little nervous about going back into the workplace after so much time away. Because of this, it’s a good idea to let them know you’re available to talk to if they have any questions or need any advice.
In fact, this isn’t just a policy that is useful when you’re returning to work after a while away; it’s something that a good employer will want to implement all the time. Having an ‘open door policy’ will enhance your employees’ productivity and ensure that they are comfortable asking questions that will lead them to better results.
