Consider the following questions and ideas in developing a general strategy to safely reopen church offices and bring staff back on campus.
- Follow CDC (and other government agency) guidelines whenever possible.
- What expectations should the staff have of their employer in regard to creating and maintaining a reasonably “safe” and healthy work environment?
- What expectations should the employer have of their staff in regard to supporting the employer’s efforts to maintain a reasonably “safe” and healthy work environment?
- Will the employer want to define items #2 and #3 in a document to be formally provided to (and acknowledged by) each employee before they return to work?
- What sanitation/hygiene materials should the employer plan to provide? Materials such as:
- Disposable masks & gloves
- Hand sanitizer in common areas & desktops
- Sanitizing wipes in common areas & desktops
- Thermometers
- What hygiene and safety guidelines will staff, visitors, and congregants be required to follow?
- What specific planning actions should the employer undertake to ensure a reasonably safe work environment? Actions such as:
- Determining the proper density of staff office areas considering your particular office environment
- Decide if the church will allow free access to buildings by the general public, or by appointment only
- Should protective shields or other measures be taken at reception desks, welcome counters, etc.
- Decide if staff schedules are to be formalized and published
- Sign-in/Sign-out system