The Christmas holidays are upon us, and for HR this raises the concern of how to look after employee health. It is no secret that, despite vaccinations, COVID-19 is still active and mutating.
We must therefore find a balance between Christmas celebrations and social distancing. In this article we will tell you what you need to keep in mind at this time of year to keep your team safe.
Christmas parties during a pandemic
The Christmas season is a time associated with sharing. Your company probably has a customary celebration. During a pandemic, though, this can be a source of controversy or raise red flags.
The Christmas holidays are often synonymous with hope and new beginnings. After the confinement and uncertainties of 2020, many people feel the need to meet and share with colleagues in 2021.
In a party of twenty-five people, of whom three-quesrters are vaccinated and unmasked, there is a CO concentration of 2,813 parts per million, but the recommendation is to keep it below 700.
These activities are a big commitment for human resources. We are not talking about the logistics involved, which are already challenging – we are speaking of how to create a celebration that includes social distancing and other safety measures.
Celebrations that strengthen teams
One reason for Christmas parties is that they strengthen teams. People need contact not only in the formal context of work but also in the relaxed spaces that these gatherings provide.
Celebrations allow for personal conversations. Employees become aware of common ground with other colleagues. This makes it easier to initiate discussions in a relaxed atmosphere, which can lead to problem-solving at work.
The Christmas holidays are an opportunity to meet and celebrate and bring the team closer together.
These less formal conversations and activities help integrate people in the team. They also improve morale. The laughter and fun associated with these parties also increases team spirit and company commitment.
Health and safety at work during the Christmas holidays
One of the HR's fundamental responsibilities is to ensure occupational health and safety. This commitment must be upheld even during the Christmas holidays.
It is essential to look out for employee health and avoid outbreaks during the Christmas holidays.
Precautions must therefore be taken during this season. This includes planning celebrations and activities and also implementing safety measures so that everyone does their part to keep people safe.
Space management
One of the first steps in planning CHristmas celebrations is the choice of location. This decision is, as risks increase with the number of people in a space at the same time.
It is therefore very important to have capacity control software. At Parso we offer the Corporate Occupancy tool, which monitors occupancy limits and social distancing.
You can also use Contact Tracing, which allows you to keep track of who has been in contact, as the holidays are times of interaction among employees.
The important thing for HR is to be aware of what the team is doing. These tools allow you to monitor risk and take protective actions in real time.
Cleanliness and safety at Christmas parties
Risks are present not only through social contact but in venues themselves. It is therefore very important that the venue be thoroughly sanitized before the event.
The cleaning team should also be attentive to their duties as spaces are vacated. Another feature of Corporate Occupancy is to indicate when a space is ready for the cleaning team.
Social distancing, small or virtual meetings
Faced with the risk of infection, many companies have opted for small meetings that minimize contact. Social distancing helps reduce the likelihood of an infected person transmitting the virus.
Some have even opted for virtual Christmas parties that avoid social contact but maintain a conversational and celebratory atmosphere. It is up to you to choose what you think is the best option for your company and employees.
Conclusion
The holiday season is an opportunity to strengthen team bonds and celebrate achievements. However, they can also put employee health at risk. This is why some consider small or virtual celebrations.
If you opt for an on-site event, manage the facilities and be attentive to their cleanliness and sanitization. At Parso we offer Contact Tracing and Corporate Occupancy software to help you take care of your employees.
You may also be interested in:
Workplace: new patterns in facility management
Control software: do you know what contact tracing is?
Business environment: how to stay afloat in a time of pandemic
