The world was taken aback by the advent of COVID 19 in 2020. In the last two years, employment has experienced different changes, trying to accommodate this new reality. However, change does not come easily, and it takes a long while. In fact, change is only sustainable with different measures put in place to ensure compliance.
Read more about COVID-19
The people of Nigeria consist of individuals with different unique beliefs and choices. Yet, COVID has taught many that until we learn to look out for one another, we will all be at risk.
As provided by the laws in Nigeria, the employers owe a duty of care to their workers to create a safe and sane environment, conducive for such workers to fulfil all of their work obligations. This responsibility has become heightened with the pandemic, and here are a few options employers should consider in the protection of their employees.
-
Introduce COVID Protocols that can be easily enforced
If there are no rules in place, you cannot reprimand anyone for defaulting. The first assignment of the employers is to ensure that there is a safety measure in the office. There should also be different means of escalation, in case there are symptoms or scares of any kind.
-
Create awareness of the COVID Compliant Protocols
The same way new rules and policies are announced at the workplace, there should be a buzz created around the new protocol. Ensure that the formal channels of communication are used to pass across the message, so it is identified as a trusted source, and constant reminders should be given to the team of staff. Employ the use of paperwork,
Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
-
Take advantage of technology
As the need to stay COVID compliant becomes more necessary, many tech companies have invested their time in developing different applications that will make it easier for employers to create awareness, and make it easier for compliance to be done. Some of these apps can also detect different COVID symptoms, in order to take the necessary measures required to limit the spread of the virus.
-
Practice hybrid system
Except it is absolutely necessary, a hybrid working system is one of the ways to limit the risk of contracting the virus. The employer can have a certain number of people come physically to work at certain times, while the rest of the staff work remotely. This should be alternated periodically, to ensure all members of staff are evenly spread.
-
Penalty
Failure to comply with these protocols should attract a penalty. This would serve as a deterrence and limit violation of the laws. This would also communicate the seriousness and commitment of the management to ensuring everyone stays safe.
Simple mechanisms that can be implemented immediately in the workplace to prevent the spread of COVID 19 includes washing of hands with soap and water, placing hand sanitisers at strategic places to propel its use, social distancing, remote working, as well as good health consultancy service for the members of staff. This is the new normal, and should not only be embraced as a safety tip for oneself, but for every other person.
Featured Image Source: Marshalls Dent Willmoth
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
You might also like:
This article was first published on 10th January 2022
grace-christos
Grace Christos Is a content creator with a proven track record of success in content marketing, online reputation management, sales strategy, and so much more.
Comments (0)
