We’ve been in quarantine for a few months, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and that’s kept many people working from their homes.
But, as we head into the end of 2020, businesses are opening their doors to customers and employees, as the economy tries to bounce back from this crisis.
If you run a business and are re-opening, you will need to have some products on hand you might not have thought much about in the past. And, if you’re still working from home, you’ll need to have these business supplies on hand as well.
Here are five business supplies you should have on-hand wherever you work.
1. Hand Sanitizer
We’re all used to the hand sanitizer drill by now, but to refresh: you should use a hand sanitizer that is no less than 60 percent ethyl alcohol. This is especially crucial when hand-washing is less frequent.
The good news is, hand sanitizer is plentiful right now, thanks to efforts by the Food and Drug Administration. Although sanitizer was in short supply early on in the pandemic, now it’s easy to get whatever quantity you need at home or work.
2. First-Aid Kit
All businesses and homes should have an easily-accessible first aid kit. Locate yours, and make sure you have needed health supplies such as bandages, antiseptic pads, aspirin/Tylenol/Ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, and other items. Look at the dates on these items, tossing any outdated supplies.
Not sure what you need, or are you out of certain items? You can find first aid kit refill supplies online. The bigger your business, or the more people in your home, the larger the kit you will need.
3. Cleaning Products
Keeping things clean and germ-free is now 1st priority in both homes and businesses to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Disinfectant spray, general kitchen cleaning products, dish soap, antibacterial wipes, and hand soap should be bought and used daily. Things you need to clean often include, but are not limited to:
- Tables, chairs, desks.
- Doorknobs, light switches, handles
- Toilets, sinks, common kitchen areas, and appliances
- Your cellphone
The basic rule of thumb is to consistently clean any common areas or commonly touched items. This is crucial during this pandemic, as the virus travels quickly and can settle on surfaces.
4. Face Masks and Other Protective Gear
Everyone should have a personal supply of facemasks to wear in public. A simple cloth facemask for each employee or family member will suffice.
However, businesses can and should offer paper masks and/or plastic face shields to their employees, especially if social distancing within the office area is difficult.
Depending on the nature of the business, disposable gloves should be offered to workers as well, although gloves may not be as helpful in keeping spread away as masks.
5. A Plan When Someone Gets Sick
Every business, as well as every household, should have a plan in place in the event an employee or family member contracts Coronavirus, or another contagious illness.
The CDC recommends that ill employees be sent home immediately and that flexible leave policies be made to accommodate those with the virus. People who had contact with anyone who contracts Coronavirus should be sent for testing, if possible, and might need to limit their time “in-office,” opting to work from home until they receive a negative test.
A full cleaning regimen will need to take place should this happen at your work or home.
Stock Up On Needed Business Supplies
The coronavirus pandemic is far from over, so it’s important, no matter where you work, to stock up on needed business supplies that are especially needed during this health crisis. Be prepared, and be safe!
Want to hear more about what’s new in business, health, and finance? Read on to find the latest topics you can use both today and tomorrow.
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