Many of us took going into the office and being social for granted. Since the pandemic started, we can no longer meet at the water cooler or gather for a cup of coffee. In fact, having in-person meetings with a moderate-sized group can be a challenge a small office space.
Until the pandemic ends, there are some things we can do to be safe in a small workspace, including:
Have meetings outside.
If the weather permits, take your business meetings outside. This allows everyone to gather and converse while still meeting social distancing requirements. Going outside for meetings also allows you to soak up some extra vitamin D, which supports immune health.
Avoid congested areas.
Say you want to go to the vending machine but you see a line forming. If there isn’t enough space for people to be at least six feet apart, wait the line out. Having hunger pangs can be tough to deal with, but you’re helping everyone remain safe. The same applies for using the copier or other common areas that fill up quickly.
Speak virtually as often as possible.
When we talk, particles and saliva leave our mouths. In some cases, we’re unaware that it’s even happening. This is enough to pass germs and make someone sick. Instead of walking up to a coworker to talk, do your best to limit your correspondence to online conversations. Whether you prefer email, instant messenger, or even video chat, keep face-to-face interactions at a minimum.
Don’t share office materials.
Remember in school when a classmate could borrow a pen or pencil? Until the risk of contracting this disease ceases, it’s best not to share office materials. Some people chew on pens without realizing or may cough or sneeze on it. When you touch it and subsequently rub your eyes or nose, you put yourself at risk for contracting Covid-19 and potentially infecting others. If you have extra materials, simply give them away.
Being in a small office during a pandemic makes a tight space feel even smaller. However, you don’t want to run the risk of bringing harmful germs home to your loved ones. Whether that means taking the stairs when the elevator fills up or calling your coworker, take the necessary social distancing precautions. Together, we can help end the pandemic for good.