SMEs still need to be mindful of mask restrictions easing: Here are 8 tips!
Masks have largely been used throughout the pandemic, with it being mandatory to wear a mask in most public settings.
Finally, to demonstrate some progress toward returning to our pre-pandemic norms, mask restrictions have been lifted from the first week of March (with different dates and restrictions depending on your state). Note: VIC and QLD are easing the restrictions the most compared to the others from Friday 4 March at 11.59 pm (VIC) and 6 pm (QLD).
Things to be mindful of with masks being worn less
Masks were a major inhibitor and contributed toward people not wanting to be at work in settings where these were required
More workers may head back into the offices as restrictions ease
Social distancing (1.5 m between persons) will become harder if everyone returns suddenly to the workplace/office
Tips from wattsnext for SMEs
Monitor headcount/quantity of people in each venue
Ensure social distancing can still be maintained (1.5 m between persons)
Encourage mask use where social distancing cannot be maintained
Consider a rotation (50% of workers in the office on one day, 50% from home)
Consider personal working circumstance and personal preferences – some employee may prefer to work at home and feel they contribute their best work from home (Assess reasonability on a case by case basis)
Consider personal health circumstances – some staff may be immunocompromised, or have other conditions which make them more vulnerable to COVID-19
Ensure hygienic practices e.g. cleaning surfaces regularly, hand sanitiser available, COVID-19 posters to remind staff
Have strong policies in place to prevent and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading throughout the workplace
Sam is an Industrial Relations (IR) and Employment Relations (ER) expert with more than 3.5 years of experience in this space in consultancy-based work. Sam brings a diversity of knowledge from this background on IR/ER matters across an extensive range of industries and is able to use this to develop straight-forward solutions, guidance, and direction for our clients.