Steps companies might consider before reopening offi ce spaces
After weeks of having employees
work remotely whenever
possible, many organizations
are developing plans to reopen
their physical workplaces. For many
business leaders, this is a challenging
time as they try to determine how to
reconfigure their offices after quarantine.
Putting a plan in place may be
the best solution.
A return-to-work plan may mitigate
the closure of offices for additional
and more enhanced cleanings,
help prevent lost productivity and help
reduce absenteeism. Even before the
COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
estimated that lost productivity due to
absenteeism in the U.S. cost employers
$225.8 billion annually - or $1,685 per
employee - through a combination of
direct and indirect costs.
To help position your business for a
successful reopening, Stephen Mohan,
EVP, Business Solutions Division for
Office Depot, Inc., recommends considering:
Site assessment
Partner with a business solutions
provider and conduct a site assessment.
Details derived from an assessment
of the site can help develop facilities
plans, and programmatic cleaning
strategies. It may help guide your
change management strategies and
your reconfiguration of the workspace
with tools and equipment like physical
barriers, entrance screening stations,
space dividers, floor markings, and
signage outlining traffic flow to facilitate
social distancing.
High-touch surfaces
Assess key areas used regularly
by employees, including the lobby,
work areas and offices, restrooms,
cafeterias, elevators, storage spaces,
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high-traffic hallways and stairs, auditoriums,
break rooms, classrooms/
training rooms, parking garages,
gyms and conference rooms. These
areas may require additional cleaning
or separate strategies.
Social distancing
Currently the CDC recommends
a minimum of 6 feet between people
for proper social distancing. This will
likely mean reconfiguring many work
areas, including cubicles, small-group
collaboration spaces and larger meeting
rooms with appropriate seating,
capacity limitations and traffic pattern
signs.
Touch-points and cleaning
Determine how to limit touchpoints
in the workplace and enhance
cleaning and disinfecting practices.
Identify what cleaning products are
appropriate for your business, such
as stronger and more durable disinfectant
wipes, DIY cleaning stations,
low or touchless motion-activated
solutions, and consider whether antimicrobial
products or furniture may
benefit your workplace.
Communications
Consider how to have ongoing and
transparent communication with your
employees as you work through the
phases of welcoming everyone back
into the office.
Provide employees with clear communication
about safety and cleaning
protocols through the use of digital
and print signs, posters and literature.
You may want to maintain an opendoor
policy for employees to voice
their concerns or ideas for improving
the workplace.
— BPT
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MYRTLE AVENUE
BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
(MYRTLE AVE FROM FRESH
POND TO WYCKOFF AVE)
Thanks to everyone for supporting businesses in the BID
We are in Phase 3 and happy to be back !
Our restaurants/cafes are now open & many are offering outdoor seating.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
The NYC Police Dept., 104th Precinct, NYC Fire Department, NYC
Sanitation Dept., NYC Department of Transportation, Community
Board #5 & first responders for their courage and dedication
throughout the pandemic. We are honored to work with them to
keep Ridgewood safe & well.
We also thank our BID Sanitation service, StreetPlus, for working
tirelessly to keep the Myrtle Avenue BID clean and safe, the
Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corp. for additional graffiti
removal, the NYC Parks Department Services
& the Horticultural Society of NY for plantings in our plazas.
The NYC Department of Small Business Services provided local
businesses with information for services and face mask
distribution. We will continue to work with them to serve you and
resume our schedule of programs and events in the near future.
Welcome!!
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
MYRTLE AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
62-14 MYRTLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD/GLENDALE , NY 11385
Please check our website www.ridgewood-ny.com, Facebook & Twitter
for information about the BID and latest updates.
/www.ridgewood-ny.com
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