Physical distance is key in the prevention of COVID-19. By implementing this strategy in the office, you contribute to employee safety. In this article we explain how to implement it with the help of technological solutions.

What is physical distance and when should you enforce it in the office?

Physical distance is a protective measure that prevents the spread of COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that there be at least two meters between people.

Distancing has been confirmed as the most effective measure to decrease the rate of coronavirus infection. However, its implementation at work poses significant challenges for Human Resources (HR).

Social distancing, although it may seem an ambiguous term, is about establishing physical distance between one person and another. In the office, it can be achieved by installing separate workstations or physical barriers.

The physical distance of two meters between people helps keep employees safe. 

It should be noted that this measure should always be applied, as the absence of symptoms does not guarantee that an employee is healthy. Therefore, each person in the office must guarantee the safety of all employees.

Physical distance and its psychological effects on employees

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Physical distance is intended to keep employees safe. However, it should be borne in mind that complying with it involves a change and, as a result, may involve resistance, either through ignorance or imprudence. 

It is important for your company to establish a biosecurity protocol that clearly states what the restrictions and permissions are. This should include a communication plan that is known to all.

All should be aware of the importance of physical distance for their own health and the health of others. To manage changes in behavior, insist on compliance with the rule and reinforce it with posters, information via the intranet, or other means. 

You can also address the psychological effects of COVID-19 by creating spaces for conversation where employees can express their concerns and feelings about any aspect of the pandemic.

Controls to use after restrictions have been removed 

On returning to the office, a series of controls are required to encourage compliance with physical distancing and keep employees healthy, as well as encourage awareness among people in the company. We recommend:

• Design biosecurity policies and procedures. Make sure your company complies with protocols that ensure employee safety; review them from time to time and update them in accordance with new findings.
• Limit face-to-face meetings to encourage physical distancing. Also ensure that your company uses alternative means of communication such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, etc.
• Promote the implementation of rotating schedules. This allows you to reduce the number of people on the premises, thus ensuring that physical distance is maintained.
• Post signs that indicate the maximum occupancy ofeach space. This helps employees to be aware of the number of people in an area and be mindful of everyone's health.
• Use technological solutions for capacity control. Digital transformation is a great ally in the fight against COVID-19. Today we have a series of technological solutions to monitor occupancy limits, physical distance, etc.

Technology solutions, physical distance and employee safety

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Physical distance is a challenge for HR, which needs to be watchful of employee safety. Although you may encounter resistance among employees, relying on digital tools can help you in this task.

Technological solutions for occupancy limits help maintain physical distance and ensure employee safety.

Once employees begin working in earnest, it is very easy for them to get distracted and forget to maintain physical distance. This is why controls are required; however, being attentive to all office spaces can be quite complex.

Fortunately, technology is becoming a powerful safety tool. You can avail yourself of occupancy monitoring software that sends alerts through the use of cameras and other systems.

In this way employees can be protected by ensuring that they maintain an appropriate physical distance. Such systems can also be used for contact tracing, to keep track of who in the office has been in contact.

Conclusion

Physical distance in the office is key to preventing COVID-19 and keeping employees safe. And, while it can have psychological effects, raising staff awareness helps to minimize any risk.

Technological solutions are a great help in keeping physical distance, and PARSO has efficient digital tools. Visit our website and find out how we can help you.

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