Preparing for Remote Workers Return to the Office

Preparing for Remote Workers Return to the Office

A recent survey shows much of the workforce is eager to return to the office, with several concessions--at least once per day cleaning and disinfecting topping the list.

Preparing for Remote Workers Return to the Office

Preparing Your Office for the Return of Work-From-Home Employees

A recent survey conducted by PromoLeaf found that the vast majority of the U.S. workforce appears to be ready to return to the office.

According to the results of the survey:

  • 63% said they were comfortable returning to the office.
  • 26.5% thought three days per week in the office was enough, 24.5% felt two was enough, and 21.8% felt that only once per week was sufficient.
  • Only 6% professed a desire to remain in a work-from-home-only scenario and never return to work.

By far, the two most common reasons for wanting to return to the office were:

  • 28.2% - In-person meetings, and;
  • 26.1% - Seeing coworkers in person.

Various incentives were cited as desirous for potentially returning workers, but the two most popular concepts were:

  • 91% - mandatory training on new health and safety protocols, and;
  • 96% - daily office cleaning, with 39% liking the idea of cleaning the office every two to three hours, and 33% believing the office should be cleaned every hour.

 

 

Returning Workforce Stress in the Workplace

Returning to the workplace after a long hiatus and during a global pandemic can be stressful for anyone.

A Pew Research Center report published in May found that one-third of U.S. adults felt high levels of stress due to the pandemic.

One-third of Americans (33%) have experienced high levels of psychological distress at some point during the extended period of social distancing undertaken to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

A third of Americans experienced high levels of psychological distress during the coronavirus outbreak

Managing the workplace environment to reduce worker stress is critical to ensuring high levels of workforce engagement and productivity.

In fact, prior to the outbreak, workplace stress was a $300 billion problem.

According to the American Institute of Stress;

Job stress is costly.

Job Stress carries a price tag for U.S. industry estimated at over $300 billion annually as a result of:

-Accidents

-Absenteeism

-Employee turnover

-Diminished productivity

-Direct medical, legal, and insurance costs

-Workers’ compensation awards as well as tort and FELA judgments

Workplace Stress

A clean, well-ordered office space has been shown to positively influence workplace stress, resulting in fewer sick days, improved employee morale, and increased productivity.

Research has shown that stress and workplace clutter can cause workers to delay making decisions.

Scientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute have done experiments demonstrating that our brains prefer an orderly, clean workplace.

When we see cues alerting us that we’re in a disorganized or dirty space, it reduces our ability to focus.

Further, according to a recent survey;

More than 90 percent [of those surveyed] said that their productivity has been compromised by a dirty or disorganized office – and 25 percent said that they’ve thought about quitting, or actually had quit, a job because the office was smelly and unclean.

How A Clean Environment Impacts Bottom-Line Business

 

Individual Tips for Workforce Health and Safety

Ultimately, the behavior of individual workers inside and away from the office will determine the success of any reopening program and how much risk there is of COVID-19 transmission.

Workers can protect themselves by:

  • Washing their hands regularly.
  • Avoiding close contact with others outside of their household.
  • Covering their mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting their workspace, and;
  • Monitoring their individual health--choosing to remain home when symptoms, especially an increased temperature, are present.

 

References & Resources

 

Takeaway

With the right incentives--namely regular enhanced cleaning, disinfection, and enhanced training programs--more than two-thirds of the U.S. workforce has stated they are ready to return to work for at least most of the week.

Cleaning and disinfecting regularly will help manage and, hopefully, reduce workplace stress, which can lead to costly mistakes and accidents.

Outsourcing is a proven method for ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and training while controlling costs and eliminating management overhead.

If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253

In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059

In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253

In Palmdale, CA or Lancaster, CA, call (661) 371-4756


Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley

Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern Valley