Returning to
While the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, our commitment to protecting our people, serving our clients and preserving our business remains steadfast.
Returning to the Office
Most markets around the world are permitting our offices to open, in certain cases subject to restrictions and compliance requirements (e.g., occupancy limits, social distancing, contact tracing). Agencies are responsible for planning their return to the office in coordination with their Network and Practice Area leadership. In all cases, agencies returning to the office must comply with local health guidelines.
Vaccinations
In the United States and certain markets where permissible, employees are not permitted in the office unless they are fully vaccinated.
General Guidance
In locations with multiple agencies and facilities management teams, one representative should continue to liaise between Leadership and those teams to coordinate protocols, guidelines and communications to employees.
Anyone who is feeling unwell or or has reason to believe that they have been exposed to COVID-19 should not come into the office.
Continue to practice regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, vendors, and contractors. Ensure sanitizing hand rub dispensers continue to remain in prominent places around the workplace. Make sure these dispensers are regularly refilled.
Social Distancing
Where social distancing is required in the office agencies may need to stagger staff schedules to keep the headcount in an office at a reduced level on any given day. Agencies should implement a schedule alternating the time employees work in the office/work from home. We recommend practices such as the following:
Ensure that all you are communicating with your manager about flexible seating and, when applicable, utilize virtual check in software (i.e., Condeco Desk Management System).
Where social distancing is required, limit the size and duration of meetings to ensure social distance guidelines are being followed.
COVID-19 Incidents & Tracking
The COVID Coordinator’s responsibilities remain the same and works in collaboration with Agency Leaders and HR in all day-to-day actions and escalation processes involving COVID.
In the event an employee feels ill while in the office, that employee should be isolated.
The designated COVID Coordinator should be notified and confirm that they employee is wearing a mask after they have been moved into isolation.
The designated COVID Coordinator should confirm that the employee has a safe way to get home.
They should generate a list of anyone that the employee had close contact with while in the office (defined as being within six feet/two meters of the employee for more than 15 minutes) during the time that the employee was not feeling well.
Complete the COVID-19 Incident form provided on the microsite.
COVID Coordinators and all employees who may come to learn that another employee isn’t well and may have the virus should be instructed to use discretion and keep that information as confidential as possible, except as necessary to inform potentially exposed employees. Any records that the COVID Coordinator might keep as part of their job should be maintained confidentially (e.g., in a password protected file accessible only to HR and the COVID Coordinator).
In order to notify close contacts in case of an incident:
Ensure that reception maintains records of all visitors to the building including name, contact number, date of visit and employee visited, for at least 30 days.
All employees should keep their calendars updated with when, where and who they have met.
Suppliers and vendors that have employees working in the office should also maintain attendance records.
What measures have you taken to reassure the employees will be safe upon their return?
Where social distancing is required in the office agencies may need to stagger staff schedules to keep the headcount in an office at a reduced level on any given day. Agencies should implement a schedule alternating the time employees work in the office/work from home. We recommend practices such as the following:
We recommend employees take temperatures before coming to work. Employees with a temperature of above 100.4°F (38°C) degrees should remain at home.
Where required, please practice social distancing in and around the office.
Employees may be required to wear masks in the office by local health authorities.
Minimize traffic and maintain social distancing in common areas, pantries and food service areas.
Food service may be impacted by local health guidelines.
What if I feel unwell in the office?
Please notify your manager and inform your office’s designated COVID Coordinator.
It is your responsibility to stay home from work if you are sick. This is good practice at all times but, given the manner in which COVID-19 is spread, it is critical that you do the right thing and stay home and recover if you are not feeling well.
What if a colleague informs me, they are feeling unwell while in the office?
Suggest they speak to their manager and inform the designated COVID Coordinator to record the incident.
Can I ask a colleague to go home if they are sick?
Suggest they speak to their manager and inform the designated COVID Coordinator to record the incident.