Across the world, governments have made the call to shut down businesses in the pursuit of public safety. However, mandated closures have forced many businesses to shut their doors, and for some, that may be permanent. Fortunately, with restrictions lifting, many companies are working overtime to get their operations back up and running.

However, if you’re a business owner hoping to open your doors on a tight timeline, there are important considerations to take into account. To better protect your staff, clients, and customers, there are certain health and safety precautions you should follow.

Here are five COVID precautions every business owner should take to safeguard their employees as they open back up.

1. Provide your team with PPE

Keeping essential protective gear on-hand for your team is one of the easiest and most effective ways to show your team and your patrons that you’re focused on health and safety in this unprecedented time.

For the past two months, it’s been difficult to find face coverings, but in the last few weeks, those hard-to-find essentials have been easier to come by. What’s even better is that some of these supplies can now play double-duty. For example, some vendors are now offering custom face masks – protection with a personal touch. Personalize face masks with your team with logo to show you’re committed to providing necessary safety measures while enhancing camaraderie.

2. Communicate properly with guests

In the age of social distancing, life looks a bit different for the general public. However, it can be tough for customers to adjust and understand all of the new rules and regulations regarding public outings. If you’re open for business, keep customers and team members safe by making your expectations as clear as possible.

Place signs in your windows that indicate your rules for business, such as:

• Face masks are required to enter the store
• Please stand six feet from other patrons
• Wash hands if using the restroom

You can also implement floor stickers that help guests stay a safe distance apart while waiting for service or browsing your store.

3. Limit the number of individuals in your location

Essential businesses that were allowed to remain open during the widespread shelter-in-place mandates enforced strict capacity limits. In order to reduce the opportunity for virus spread, consider limiting how many staff members and patrons can enter your business at one time.

4. Keep your premises clean

In addition to distancing measures, cleaning is another way to slow the spread of the virus. Improve and enhance your cleaning processes; in addition to doing your part to fight COVID-19, this will also give your team and customers better peace of mind.

The CDC offered new cleaning and disinfecting recommendations for businesses to incorporate in their daily operations. Some of these instructions include:

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces with soap and water, every day
• Wipe down electronics regularly throughout the day
• Wear PPE when cleaning
• Wash your hands before and after cleaning any company materials or surfaces for at least 20 seconds

5. Be transparent and open with your team

The last few months have been challenging for both business owners and their employees. With so much uncertainty, it’s important to pay attention to the safety and happiness of your team. While your employees are likely grateful to be back at work, you need to serve as a leader by practicing transparency. In the current climate, it’s particularly important to remind your team to look after their mental health; after all, your team can’t perform their best if they’re not taking care of themselves. Share resources with your staff that can help them face the challenges still ahead; these COVID-19 therapy resources may help them stay positive while showing up to work every day.

Final Notes

There’s no real script for reopening your business. However, the above serve as great starting points. Remain positive, prepare to be flexible with daily processes, and show gratitude to hardworking team and dedicated clients – it’s the recipe for success in these uncertain times.