Even though the country’s in lockdown, for many businesses the show must go on – so BHSF have pulled together some useful guidelines to help your company and your employees through this difficult period.
General government advice:
- Stay at home
- Work from home where possible
- Only go outside for food or exercise (or work, if you have to)
- If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Do not meet others, even friends or family
Government guidance for employers and businesses:
- Businesses and workplaces should encourage their employees to work at home, wherever possible
- If someone becomes unwell in the workplace with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they should be sent home and advised to follow the advice to stay at home
- Employees should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues
- Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using standard cleaning products
- Employees will need your support to adhere to the recommendation to stay at home to reduce the spread of coronavirus to others
- Those who follow advice to stay at home will be eligible for statutory sick pay from the first day of their absence from work
- Employers should use their discretion concerning the need for medical evidence for certification for employees who are unwell. This will allow GPs to focus on their patients
- If evidence is required by an employer, those with symptoms of coronavirus can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online, and those who live with someone that has symptoms can get a note from the NHS website
- Employees from defined vulnerable groups should be strongly advised and supported to stay at home and work from there if possible
Ofcom tips while working from home:
- Avoid using your microwave at the same time as your WiFi
- Position your internet router as far as possible from other devices that may interfere with the signal
- If you’re carrying out video calls or meetings, turning the video off and using audio will require much less of your internet connection
- Try starting those calls at less common times, rather than on the hour or half hour
- For the best broadband speeds, use an ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using WiFi
General tips for working from home:
- Have a dedicated part of your home for work. Sit in a comfortable chair, in a room with good lighting
- Work at a time that suits you best. For many this is in the morning but for some it’s the evening
- Unless you have a video/conference call, dress in whatever you feel comfortable in
- Stay in regular contact with colleagues
- Take regular breaks – but try to avoid being distracted for too long
- Stay hydrated. Keep a glass or bottle of water beside you at all times
Tips for home schooling (Key Stage 1 & 2):
- Most schools have a section on their website dedicated to home learning
- Websites such as Twinkl are providing parent accounts for free and they also provide home packs for each year group
- Oxford Owl have free e-books, especially phonics ones for younger children
- White Rose Maths have set up lots of online resources, including videos to help teach children and parents
- For key stage 2 pupils, have a look at Teach Your Monster to Read. It teaches phonics with really fun games
- Watch Newsround. A lot of schools watch it every day and then discuss what’s been going on
- Finally, for physical well-being, try and join in with Joe Wicks’ daily workouts
