COVID-19 Returning to Work Checklist
COVID-19 Returning to the Workplace Checklist

As states, localities and health officials begin to set parameters around reopening businesses, bringing your employees back onsite successfully will not be as simple as flipping a switch. Every company is unique—some have workers who may be able to continue working remotely, while others have manufacturing to restart or brick and-mortar retail locations to bring back to life. However, each company faces the same concerns: where to begin, how to keep employees protected, when to communicate, and determining what is the right way to drive the business forward.

Start by asking: What do I need to do to be ready to bring employees back to the workplace?

Use this checklist to make sure you are addressing the key areas to focus on for re-entry into the workplace.

Leading & Communicating Change

  • Is the leadership team prepared and trained to lead and address concerns as they arise?
  • Can we re purpose our crisis management team to become our transition and return-to-work team? Is that team ready to continuously monitor workplace impact?
  • Are we building a plan to implement and communicate a Workplace and Safety, Health, and Sanitation Plan?
  • Do we have the information necessary to facilitate swift, data-driven decision-making?
  • Have we developed a communications and engagement plan that addresses employees returning to the workplace and workers who are remaining remote?
  • Do we have a plan for training on new processes, policies and operational procedures during the transition and beyond?
  • How will we define and measure a successful transition?

Managing Health & Safety

  • Have we planned sanitization protocols that are more stringent than regular cleaning?
  • Do we have guidelines for physical distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) use?
  • If mandatory, do we have a plan on obtaining PPE for employees?
  • How will we handle discussions with any employees who request to not wear PPE?
  • Have we, or can we, secure safety equipment for use by employees?
  • Have we identified tiers of necessity — who really needs to be in the office and when?
  • Can we determine if remote work is feasible for certain or all roles?
  • Can we consider staggered shifts or phasing-in the return of employees?
  • Do we have a plan for managing and monitoring food safety, such as onsite cafeteria, food delivery and minimizing the use of communal areas?
  • What verification methods will we use to ensure the health of our employees, keeping privacy and company policy in mind?
  • How will we outline visitor, vendor and contingent workforce protocols?
  • Do we have a policy on immunity or disease testing?
  • Do we have a contingency plan in place should there be a spike in COVID-19 cases during the return transition period?
  • Do we have a realistic plan to adapt our office or other work spaces to limit close contact between employees, including conference rooms and meeting spaces?

Compliance & Workplace Policies

  • Have we reviewed CDC, OSHA, federal, state, and local guidelines and recommendations for returning to the workplace? What is the frequency of monitoring for changes in regulations?
  • Should we update our internal policies (e.g., Rehire, Travel, Remote Work, Video Conferencing Standards, Attendance, Paid Time Off, Rehire, Health and Safety) for this transition and beyond?
  • Are we in compliance with the regulator response that developed as a result of the pandemic?
  • Have we posted mandatory Families First Corona virus Response Act (FFCRA) posters in the workplace and send to those working remotely?
  • Do our employees know how to access FFCRA request forms?
  • Have we obtained documentation to obtain tax credits under FFCRA, if applicable?
  • Have we optimized or received funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP)?

  • Staff Re-Engagement

  • What is our plan to regularly communicate COVID-response and re-opening plans to all employees?
  • Have we confirmed and communicated any benefits, 401k, and paid time off service requirements to workers?
  • For workers who experienced a change in employment status such as lay-off or furlough, have we issued re-hire or welcome back letters?
  • How will we manage employees’ individual limitations and comfort levels, including underlying health issues, childcare, etc.?
  • Have we produced a policy for employees who do not feel comfortable returning to the physical workplace?
  • Have we established policies to adapt to new conditions, as well as new benefits around health and well being?
The Megro Benefits Company | www.megrobenefits.com