In the context of a pandemic, offices reopen once the government declares that it safe to do so. In addition companies develop their own prompts or triggers to reopen. What are these triggers?

The government has its triggers based on which it reopens the economy. However, governments all over the world may have other compulsions because of which they may order reopening even if conditions aren’t truly favorable.

The triggers that a company develops internally is to additionally safeguard and inspire confidence in the employees to return back to the offices.

Moreover, though most offices do not have any compulsions to reopen, there might be smaller offices who do have.

Offices, small or large should reopen with certain protocols in place as this helps manage safe, successful and sustained reopening; else closure is imminent due to rise of infection in office.

The triggers that a company develops internally is to additionally safeguard and inspire confidence in the employees to return back to the offices.

Just as there are triggers to reopen, companies have triggers to close, even before government orders, if they feel it is unsafe to keep offices open.

The protocols that a company makes to reopen are distinct from triggers and they also have to be strictly followed.

The protocols, a few of them are:

  • advice on daily commute,
  • screening while entering office (includes RAT testing protocol),
  • seating arrangements in the office,
  • masking, social distancing, handwashing,
  • dining arrangements, food, water and beverage services,
  • use of common areas (toilets, printing area, tea room etc.),
  • seating arrangements in meeting rooms,
  • sanitization frequency of frequently touched points,
  • office etiquettes due to pandemic,
  • visitor/vendor management,
  • emergency response,
  • in-country official travel,
  • etc.

Companies invest in protocols depending on its culture, availability of medical advice etc.

Companies interested in understanding and requiring assistance in developing protocols to reopen their office may contact