Skip to content
← Back to Blog

Navigating the Return to Work: A COVID-19 Safety Checklist

• by EvolvHR Team

As organizations navigate the complexities of reopening workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring employee safety and compliance with public health guidelines is paramount. This comprehensive checklist provides actionable steps for HR leaders to manage the return-to-work process effectively.

Why a Return-to-Work Plan is Essential

Reopening workplaces requires careful planning to:

  • Protect employee health.
  • Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Ensure business continuity and build employee trust.

Key Components of a Return-to-Work Checklist

1. Job Status and Compliance

  • Determine rehire dates for furloughed or laid-off employees.
  • Provide updated handbooks, W-4 forms, and other required documents.
  • Review state and local requirements, such as reinstating sick leave accruals.

2. Workplace Safety and Sanitization

  • Make cleaning supplies and sanitizers readily available.
  • Train employees on new safety protocols, including mask usage and handwashing.
  • Ensure frequent sanitization of shared spaces and high-touch surfaces.

3. Health Screening and Monitoring

  • Conduct daily temperature checks and wellness screenings.
  • Establish contact tracing protocols for confirmed cases.
  • Offer flexible leave options for employees impacted by COVID-19.

4. Social Distancing Practices

  • Stagger shifts and break times to minimize employee contact.
  • Limit in-person meetings and enforce capacity limits in shared spaces.
  • Use visual markers and barriers to maintain six-foot distancing.

5. Customer and Vendor Interactions

  • Restrict facility access to non-essential vendors.
  • Implement curbside or drive-through services for customers.
  • Use signage to communicate entry restrictions and health guidelines.

Customizing Your Plan

Every workplace is unique. Use Paycor’s Return-to-Work Checklist to tailor protocols to your organization’s size, industry, and specific needs. Incorporate employee feedback to ensure buy-in and effectiveness.

Communicating the Plan

Transparent communication is key to building employee confidence. Share your plan through:

  • Emails and team meetings.
  • Signage and handouts.
  • Company intranet and other digital platforms.

Take Action Today

Returning to the workplace safely requires more than just following guidelines—it demands proactive planning and execution. Use this checklist as your starting point to create a safe, compliant, and employee-focused return-to-work strategy.

Lead with confidence and protect your team. Download Paycor’s COVID-19 Return-to-Work Checklist today.

Ready to Transform Your Human Resources Operations?

Encourage HR professionals to use the checklist to implement safe and compliant return-to-work protocols for their organizations.

Contact EvolvHR today to learn how we can help you implement these strategies and build a stronger, more resilient organization.