Checking In To The New Normal
Wellness. It’s been a hot topic for a few years, typically relating to mind-body-soul health. But in these days of extremes—global uncertainty, unrest and unsettled-ness—it’s become a much more fundamental issue, particularly for workplace safety. Pre-COVID, “wellness” had more to do with meditation, crystals and herbal tea; today, it means taking your temperature, washing your hands, and wearing a mask in public. Luckily, the corporate wellness tool Hayday succinctly handles employee health screening requirements so your employees can return back to work.
As businesses reopen, workplace health looks a little different. Systems are in place to maintain physical distancing; masks are required; hand sanitizer takes the place of bowls of mints on reception desks. But what about coming in to work? Whether a sick employee or visitor enters the building is arguably the most important element to consider in regards to corporate health and wellness solutions. That’s where Wellness Check Ins come in.
What are Wellness Screenings & why are they important?
As workplaces reopen, business owners and managers are implementing new protocols and return to work rules to maintain both individual and corporate wellness. A cornerstone of this new normal, the health screening at work or “wellness Check In” consists of a simple group of questions focused on symptoms and possible exposure that acts as a work health assessment and helps determine whether an individual is healthy and ready to work. Being forced to answer clear-cut questions in a simple format leaves little room for misunderstanding, half-truths, or “I’m sure it was fine”-type responses.
Hayday is a plug-in software solution for employers to rely on. Utilizing language from the CDC, the health screening for work application reassures business owners that no employees are exposing their colleagues, clients, or you to COVID-19. By implementing health checks for employees, managers will limit business disruptions, mitigate company liability, promote workplace health, and build trust across employees and consumers. The whole idea of a health screening at work is so important, in fact, that many states and municipalities now require that businesses conduct Check Ins with their employees before allowing them to come to work.
What are the work health assessment benefits & how do they work?
Hayday’s easy-to-implement health screening for work app checks in with employees prior to each workday or shift. Managers can choose to require Check Ins ahead of time digitally by phone, tablet or computer (via email, or automatic text message notifications) or in person, on-site (via an iPad in the lobby, for example). The fully customizable survey asks such straightforward questions like “What is your current temperature?”; “have you experienced any fever or chills since your last check-in?”; and “have you had exposure to anyone with COVID-19 since your last check-in?” (The standard Check In questions provided by Hayday are based on CDC recommendations but can be customized for individual businesses, facilities and teams.) Once answers are submitted, and if all indications are that the employee is clear for on-site work, the employee will receive a “boarding pass” that clears them for the day or shift. This pass can then be required for entry into the workplace.
What does this mean for workplace morale?
By putting the onus on employees to honestly answer the questions in their health screening for work, Wellness Check Ins allow employers to bring teams back together with peace of mind that both their staff and business is protected. They also allow HR teams to see any trends in possible outbreaks, mitigate company liability, and limit business disruptions. Visitors, clients and customers who must physically come to the building will be relieved to know that such protocols are in place to protect them—and will be prompted to complete a health screening for work themselves. Employees, too, are grateful for the peace of mind that their health is a priority to the company, and that by coming to work they aren’t exposing themselves and thereby their families.
And while Hayday’s application was designed to reduce company risk and liability and protect individuals, it is also focused on employee engagement and morale. Employers can use the health screening at work Check Ins as opportunities to communicate with employees and build trust and goodwill amongst teams. Treating everyone to lunch today? Make a note of that in the day’s Check In to catch everyone before they pack their sandwiches in the morning. Is it Sarah’s birthday today? Schedule a reminder so everyone can wish her a happy birthday as they arrive at the office. Like all of the elements of Hayday, reminders and notifications are customizable and can be a great resource for staff of all sizes. Everyone will be grateful for one less email!
Employee wellness programs after COVID-19 are a priority for all businesses, and bringing employees safely back to work is the first step in the process. Hayday is here to help—with day-to-day health compliance as well as programs to promote camaraderie, goodwill, and confidence.