As companies evaluate plans to return employees to the office, there are several tools that can be deployed to keep employees healthy and safe. This all starts with frequent sanitization of common areas. Companies are encouraged to set a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Communicate the schedule to employees as they will provide an extra set of eyes on whether the work is being performed and where adjustments need to be made. Technologies and products, such as electrostatic disinfectant cleaning equipment, have evolved, and these new options — along with attempts to eliminate touch points by using automatic openers, modifying how services are delivered, use of anti-microbial wipes on high touch services, and upgraded air exchange and filtration — will lead to successful re-integration to the office.

When employees do return to work, it is important to reduce seating capacities in conference rooms and implement a clean desk policy to help cleaning crews with their sanitization efforts. Flexibility will be important as companies learn what is effective in their individual workspaces.