The pandemic changed the lives of people around the world. People had to stay home to avoid catching the virus when the pandemic started. The situation also forced many businesses to close while others shifted to online marketing to connect with their customers.
Over a year after the pandemic started, the situation changed for the better. With over 50 percent of the population fully vaccinated, businesses have started to reopen and people have started traveling. But the emergence of new variants of the virus makes it necessary for people to continue following health protocols.
Businesses should also take steps in securing their premises and keeping them safe for their customers. Here are the ways that businesses can keep their stores safe for their employees and customers.
Prepare Masks and Sanitizers in the Office
Even as some businesses have allowed their employees to continue to work from home, others required their employees to report back to the office. With this, businesses should prepare masks and sanitizers for their employees to use. They can also give masks to their customers once they enter the premises.
These health protocols can go a long way in protecting everyone in the store from the virus. The current surge in cases is attributed to the delta variant, which is more transmissible than the original virus. So, businesses should take the necessary steps to protect their employees and customers from the virus.
Check for Remote Work Opportunities
If it’s possible, businesses can also decide to let their employees work from home again. While there are instances when some employees may need to work at the office, the business can reduce the number of people on their premises by allowing some employees to work from home.
If the business decides to implement remote work arrangements for its employees, it should also secure its facilities. The company can check with local security guard companies for their rates if it plans to add guards to secure the facility. These guards can also protect the business’s servers, which is necessary to facilitate the work-from-home arrangements of its employees.
The number of employees who have to work on-side should also follow the number recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the risk of infection.
Get a Secure Password Application
Businesses that have employees working from home can also enhance their cybersecurity. They should protect their systems from hackers who may want to crack the passwords used by their employees. To reduce the chances of getting hacked, businesses can invest in a password manager.
Using this application allows the business to streamline collaboration and productivity among its remote employees. It also secures its system from hackers and prevents unauthorized entry. This is particularly useful for retail businesses with an online store. It allows the employees to view, share, and edit information on the website. Additionally, it does not require the employees to type their passwords, which increases their productivity.
Remain Updated on Health Guidelines
Businesses should also remain updated about the latest health guidelines from the CDC. They should focus on getting their information about the pandemic from reliable sources, including the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO). This can reduce instances of misinformation, which can increase the risk of infection among its employees and customers.
The authorities are continuing to get more information about the latest variants of the virus. So businesses should monitor any developments, especially regarding health protocols that they need to follow. Following these health protocols can prevent infection and even allow the business to stay afloat during a health crisis.
Aside from getting vaccinated, wearing masks in indoor areas is also advisable. Additionally, the authorities are mulling the possibility of getting a booster vaccine shot after around eight months after a person receives the second dose.
Get a Contactless Thermometer
The business can also install a contactless thermometer at the employee entrance of the business. The contactless thermometers allow the business to check the temperature of the employees without letting them touch the device
All employees should have their temperatures checked before they enter the office. And the people manning these areas should know the symptoms associated with the virus to identify people who have them.
If any of the employees exhibit the symptoms and have a high temperature, the business should ask them to stay home or go to the hospital. This preventive measure reduces the risk of spreading the virus at the workplace.
The recent surge in cases makes it necessary for businesses to implement measures to keep their employees and customers safe and healthy during the pandemic.