Protecting Your Workplace from Coronavirus

Dr. Ryan Giffen

The information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing at a rapid pace with more details provided to us each day. As the population works together to try to put a halt to this virus, it’s important for companies to discuss and conduct workplace safety practices that will reduce the spread of the virus.

The Best Tactics for Workplace Safety To Fight Against Coronavirus 

There are many businesses shutting down due to the spread of coronavirus. But there are still plenty that must stay open to help keep things running as normally as possible. For those who still need to report to work each day, here are a few tips to help protect yourself and others from coronavirus. 

Encourage Good Hand Hygiene to prevent the spread of coronavirus

According to the Center for Disease Control, the best way for any of us to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 is to wash our hands regularly. We should all avoid touching our mouth, eyes, or nose as much as possible. The CDC states that washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is the most effective method. They suggest lathering really well and rubbing the backs of your hands as well as in between your fingers and underneath your nails while washing your hands. 

Perform Routine Cleaning of the Work Environment

It’s important to keep all surfaces clean, even more than you normally did at this time. Be sure to clean and disinfect all the frequently touched surfaces in your work environment. This includes countertops, workstations, and doorknobs. It is recommended that workers use the same type of cleaning agents which are normally used in these areas to disinfect. And always follow the directions as they are on the label. It is a good idea for employers to provide their workers with disposable wipes to use on surfaces so they may be wiped down before every use. Providing hand sanitizer to both workers and customers is another option to help keep everyone safe. 

Discuss the Terms of Any Upcoming Travel Plans or Business Trips 

While there are currently many travel bans in place, even traveling to a neighboring state for business purposes could be a potential hazard. Communicate with your workers in regard to any trips they have planned in the near future. Be sure to check about any health notices for the areas they plan to visit. If traveling to an area recently affected, suggest they postpone their trip. 

Have an Open Dialogue With All Employees 

Business owners need to think about the best way to spread this illness and help to lower the global impact of COVID-19. To do this, they should share their plans for prevention in the workplace with all employees. These plans should clearly identify the objectives which can include reducing the transmission among workers and protecting those in the workplace who are at a higher risk due to any health complications. Other areas to discuss include how to maintain business operations under these new terms and how to minimize the effects to other entities as well as the supply chain. 


About Dr. Ryan Giffen

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ryan Giffen is an expert in human relations and business culture. His career began in hospitality, leading operations and human resource departments for Fortune 500 companies and the like. Not long after, Ryan found his passion for teaching and consulting. He earned a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management with a Human Resources focus from Iowa State University and now works as an assistant professor at California State University, Long Beach. For over a decade, he continues to research and speak on organizational culture, relationship intelligence, and leadership effectiveness. Ryan is also the founder of Inospire, a company helping bosses and employees build stronger relationships with one another.  Lastly, Dr. Giffen is producer and host of the Corporate Shadow Podcast. a show helping everyday employees overcome workplace nonsense.