This small sub-set of questions from BDO’s comprehensive Return-To-Work Readiness Assessment illustrates critical considerations for organizations that are preparing to reopen. Our team is available should you be interested in learning more about our assessment tool or how to answer any of these questions.

Are you regularly checking updates to all applicable regional government orders and restrictions? 

Have you checked with your landlord or building management to determine their policies on reopening? 

Have you assessed how returning to work aligns with your renewed business strategy amid COVID-19?

Have you assessed how your clients, customers and stakeholders needs may have changed?

Have you assessed how reopening will impact the ability to obtain goods and services throughout your supply chain?

Do the benefits of returning to work outweigh the risks and cost?

The main areas of consideration for this stage are:

Does your return to work task force / committee have clearly identified roles, responsibilities and authority?

Does your return to work task force and leadership team have effective mechanisms in place to receive timely and accurate information to make necessary agile decisions?

Have you determined a staffing plan and safety needs requirements (including preparing for absenteeism)?

Have you asked your people if they want to / can return to work?

Do you have a plan for training your people on newly formed health and safety protocols and related processes before returning to work and thereafter?

Do you have a plan and the supply chain resources to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees and other stakeholders?

Have you assessed the risks and hazard areas—such as elevators, lunch rooms, and conference rooms—throughout your physical space and developed a plan for their use?

Have you determined what screening, tracking, and tracing processes you will use and how you intend to keep all related information confidential and private?

Have you redesigned your processes to allow for physical distancing?

Have you implemented technology to enhance safety of staff or customers, and if so, are operational procedures updated to reflect these changes?

By answering each of these sections, you should have some indication on your readiness to operate in your new working environment. 

In the full version of the assessment, we take a deeper dive into your organization’s objectives, timelines, success criteria, and resource allocation that build your business case and develop required strategies and plans for your new environment. It’s important to remember that the ‘if and when’ you reopen may change. Keeping an eye on risks, finances, customer needs, and your people’s capabilities and capacities to determine when returning is right for your organization will help in your success. 

For the full version of BDO’s Return-to-Work Readiness Assessment, or for more information to support your reopening plans, contact BDO’s Return-to-Work National Leaders.