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Inspiration

A safe return to the office

ith an increasing number of adults receiving Researchers have found that one-third of employees will
one of the COVID-19 vaccines, optimism expect less density and greater physical separation from
abounds that it will soon be safe to work colleagues in the workplace than previously. Accommo-
W much like we did before the pandemic dating this need will likely require some renovation. How
altered our reality. And if you you run an ISO or other much you do will depend on your ingenuity, budget and
payments-related business, ensuring that you bring peo- your landlord's willingness to pitch in.
ple back to the office safely is probably one of your biggest
concerns. Spread the contactless concept
The payments industry has been exemplary in making
Whether yours is a small payments software startup or a contactless payments easy to incorporate into the check-
Super ISO, a growing data security provider or a merchant out experience. Can landlords help make physical envi-
services department at a major bank, and whether you're ronments as touch free as possible, too, by having contact-
situated in a small town, a large city or a suburban area, less doors, elevators and restroom facilities? Another area
attracting and retaining the best workers is also on the top to review is ventilation to improve air quality. And some-
of your agenda. thing as simple as more frequent cleaning of common ar-
eas is another way to limit the spread of disease and ease
If you put in place the right kind of protocols as you wel- people's minds while they're at work.
come people to the office or send your sales team into the
field again, safety and employee retention can go hand in So, before you bring the crew back in or send them into the
hand, because your top employees and potential recruits field, do some research, meet with your landlord and give
are just as interested in health and safety in the workplace all the areas your company will use a thorough inspection
as you are. so you can remediate deficiencies. And revise your office
Address real concerns and field policies and procedures manual to incorporate
whatever safety protocols you deem necessary to keep
It's likely you'll find some colleagues are raring to return people safe. Staggered entry and exit times, for example, is
to the office. For example, schools are opening again, and one way to limit contact in crowded elevators.
many parents who've been juggling homeschooling and
work are eager to ferry their children to school, grab a cup With advance planning, payments industry offices can
of coffee to go, board the elevator and boot up computers soon be humming, and people can enjoy the camaraderie
they haven't touched in a year. that has been so difficult to replicate virtually.

Others—despite loosening of restrictions, widespread
vaccine availability and precautionary protocols—may
continue to worry about their safety in an office environ-
ment. Given the pervasive nature of the pandemic, which
may have directly affected the family of someone in the
desk next to yours, this reluctance shouldn't be dismissed.
It is essential to communicate clearly to all staff what is Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
being done to protect them.