How to Promote a Healthy Work Environment During the Pandemic

09.07.2021 | 2 min read

Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored content at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to her time at Blue Cross from 2019-2024, she was a statewide news reporter for MLive.com. She has a decade of storytelling experience in local news media markets including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Port Huron.

Business people greeting during COVID-19 pandemic, elbow bump

Sharing an office with coworkers has always been a unique relationship to navigate. Figuring out who is responsible for making coffee, cleaning up the office kitchen and following microwave etiquette are common pain points when it comes to keeping the work environment clean and respectful. Add in the concerns of the pandemic and there are additional conversations to have at work to make sure everyone’s health and safety are considered. Some individuals may be immunocompromised or have immunocompromised family members – and may have different priorities than you do for keeping a clean, disinfected space. Here are some ideas to keep the office or workplace environment healthy for all:

If you’re sick, stay home

Struggling through the workday with symptoms like a cough and runny nose can be miserable for you – and can put your coworkers at risk of being exposed to an illness. Talk to your manager about how you can accommodate employees who have mild symptoms by offering work-from-home options or hybrid schedules.

Allow time for employees to get vaccinated

Vaccination against COVID-19 is the best way to protect workplaces, communities and families from this potentially deadly virus. Allowing workers the time to get a COVID vaccine at a local pharmacy or clinic without penalizing their work hours may be the best way to encourage them to get vaccinated.

Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces

Keeping the office or workplace physically clean is important to maintaining a safe environment. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is the first step, as well as encouraging frequent hand washing by on-site staff. Especially if the workplace has limited access to cleaning materials or a cleaning staff, provide hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes so workers can disinfect their work areas independently.

Follow CDC recommendations for wearing a mask indoors

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to always wear a mask indoors. In areas where COVID-19 transmission is high, the CDC recommends all individuals wear masks while indoors.

Consider offering hybrid or flexible options

Offering a hybrid work schedule allows employees to work part of the time in an office, and part of the time remotely. This allows managers to limit the number of people in the office at any given time, to increase the opportunity for social distancing and to minimize opportunities for illnesses to spread. More from MIBluesPerspectives:

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