Impressions - June/July 2020 - 23

tasks. Some shops take cleanliness seriously, while others look like
a tornado just swept through. Most are somewhere in the middle.
Where does your shop fit in?
Those that do a good job of keeping things organized probably
already have a good handle on how to clean and disinfect. Here are
some things you need to think about:
1. What surfaces will you need to clean constantly and how
often? Light switches, bathrooms, doorknobs, timeclocks, phones,
commonly used keyboards, metal surfaces, vending machines, break
rooms, countertops and more are part of what's sure to be a big list
of surfaces that'll need cleaning. What's more, it will need to be done
multiple times daily.
2. Who will be doing this work? Someone on your staff will need
to be tasked with these responsibilities. Also, remember to specify
when these tasks should be completed.
3. What supplies will you need? Do you have disinfectants, hand
sanitizer and soap? If so, do you have an adequate supply?
4. Focus on personal protective equipment (PPE). Face masks
and shields, and gloves, will be part of the new normal in all work
environments. How much will you need? As an employer, you need
to supply this.
5. Are you checking temperatures with a forehead scanner? Do
you have one of these devices? What's the rule for this in your state?
6. How will breaks be handled? Are you staggering breaks and
lunchtimes to limit the number of people in the breakroom at one time?
7. Are packages being cleaned? Do boxes and cartons get
disinfected or sprayed as they enter the shop?
8. What do customers, visitors, suppliers and other guests touch
as they come into the shop? Limit access to certain areas to prevent
the risk of spreading germs.

Ensure adequate training.
Don't just push people into
the deep end of the pool
and think they can swim.
Your team will be anxious about working. Don't overlook the mental
aspect, as everyone will be worried about either getting or transmitting the disease. The best thing you can do is manage the circumstances with as much calmness and clarity as possible. Be positive
and enthusiastic.
As a leader, your employees are looking to you to comprehend
the situation. Set rules and guidelines before everyone comes back
so that they know what to do. These should be written; if not, they
don't count.

Managing Future Risks

Even though everyone wants to find their way back to financial
sustainability, it can't be done in a way that jeopardizes health and
well-being. Think a few steps ahead and start working on plans to
mitigate the risks associated with opening your doors for business.
Here are a few points to consider:
1. What happens if a team member gets sick? Are you paying
that employee to stay home? If so, for how long? Write a policy and
communicate it to your team.

Use Info*Action #10 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

JUNE/JULY 2020

22-25_IMP_0720_Reopen_Feature.indd 23

P.23

5/18/20 4:46 PM

https://dyetrans.com/ https://dyetrans.com/ http://www.impressionsmag.com/infoaction

Impressions - June/July 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - June/July 2020