Back to the Workplace Tips
Our headquarters are in Michigan – a state that has had COVID restrictions in place for the entire duration of the pandemic. Whether you agree with the work from home orders or not, we are on the horizon of returning to work in person. This is great news for businesses, the economy and all over company moral to get back to it. Now employers across Michigan are struggling with the realities that this brings. Not only have they moved their entire operations remote for over a year, employees are used to the perks that comes with working from home. Office infrastructure and systems are now in place remotely….so do we all just go back? What can you do as an employer or manager to ease the tensions that returning to the office brings?
There are many ways to go about this. For Lasting Impressions, flexibility is our answer. We are happy to welcome back those employees who are ready to get back to the office. Let’s face it, we are in a business of creativity, collaboration and hands on products. At a certain point, there does need to be some face to face interaction. But not everyone is ready for that. As an owner of a business, I understand. Some people are really enjoying the benefits of working from home. It has definitely opened our eyes to the perks that flex time brings.
So how can companies across not only Michigan, but America help ease employees minds about coming into the workplace and being close proximity of others? In my mind, the continuation of following COVID protocol is key. People will not be interested in returning to the workplace as it was before. We need to make changes, adjust and adapt to the current environment. So how does that look? Take a step back and look at all the areas of your office where employees gather. Breakroom, collaboration spaces and dare I say the good old water cooler???
Here are a few tips that will help ease workplace tensions….
1. Lunchroom: the place where everyone would meet. Put your lunch in the fridge, share and touch appliances. Prior to 2020, employees would love to take a step away from their desk, chat up coworkers and relax before getting back to it. Now, things look a little different. Make sure each person at your workplace is equipped with what they need to have lunch at their desk, in their car or whatever space makes them feel comfortable.
2. Water cooler talk & must have coffee breaks: Anyone else have the ritual of the afternoon coffee at work? I sure do! Or the hydration is key attitude filling up your water vessel all day long? (You know they do say to drink ½ of your body weight in ounces each day!) Whether you are on the more coffee please plan or keeping that H20 flowing, you will want a way to keep track of your mugs and bottles. Putting your employees’ or customers’ names on their mugs and water bottles with your logo is not only a sure-fire way that they will keep that gift, but it will help to avoid cross-contamination of people using the same drinkware pieces. We are now offering free personalization on select drinkware items. Adding each person’s name or initials is not only a very thoughtful gift, it will help keep track of where your drinkware is and avoid cross-contamination. Here are a few options to consider.
3. PPE – Yes, I know….we are all sick of talking about it. But, we are stuck with it for now so lets embrace it! Not only is it a necessity of the current times, it will help comfort people heading back to the office to know if they forget their mask or sanitizer, you’ve got them covered! We suggest not only community hand sanitizing stations, but also individually packed PPE kits left at each persons desk. Each kit can be customized to your needs, but we suggest hand sanitizer, disposable masks and cotton masks. Here are a few kits to check out that are all packaged in FDA approved barrier bags to keep germs out!
4. Happiness Is…..Getting a Gift! Who doesn’t like to be welcomed with a warm, thoughtful package. Receiving a gift packaged individually will not only show the recipient you care, but will also send the message that they are back to a safe and welcoming environment. We suggest kitting a few products together and packaging them together to create the perfect bundle. Popularity of kits has grown over the past year. They can either be shipped directly to the persons house so it is ready for them or placed on their desk to start their first days back to the office.
