Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I have written before about how I believe that many things are going to change. The first place that will have to change in any company is going to be the work environment. Offices around the world are going to be reopening without a vaccine for Covid-19 and until there is a vaccine, things will have to be different.
I would imagine in my offices for example, apart from all the notices and training we have given staff on washing their hands with soap, techniques as to the opening of doors (door handles are a particular problem) and all the usual safeguards, there will have to be other interesting developments. Whether one puts up plasti-glass screens between staff who sit close to each other would be one idea, but I think that one of the most obvious things that many companies will implement is the policy of wearing masks while at work. It is not always tremendously convenient to wear a mask, but we have all done it, we all can do it and I suspect that that is going to be one of the requirements when back at the office. There are of course going to be those all round the world who choose to give up their jobs and lose their income rather than return to the office and for those who are really in risk groups that may well be the best decision for them to make and I think the vast majority of people are going to return to the office.
Once they are back there they need to be far more careful than they have ever been before and take much more prudent steps and actions to safeguard, not only themselves, but those they work with. I would suspect it is going to take a long time before antibody tests are actually available. When I say actually, I mean that certain politicians, particularly Donald Trump, will always claim that tests are available, and they might well be to him and doctors, but they certainly are not to normal regular people and to normal regular companies and the antibody tests are going to take much longer to be mass produced to be able to see who has already suffered the symptoms and is allegedly safe. I say allegedly, because there is no scientific verdict on that at the moment and whether having had the disease already protects you forever, for three months or for two years and some would say – if at all.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Thursday 23-Apr-20
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Comments
Daniella said:
on Tuesday 12-May-20 07:17 AM
The work place will definitely be different people are more aware of how quickly not only viruses can spread but germs. I can already see all the changes made at shops and how they operate, also I'm sure a lot of things that can be done electronically will.
cornelie said:
on Monday 11-May-20 10:23 AM
I think not only for the hygiene of this lockdown it show the country can operate remotely, for instance the court can now operate remotely it will save the employer thousands on paper and printing. This Covid was an eye opener for the country and people.
Ziyanda said:
on Monday 11-May-20 09:09 AM
The workplace has and will definitely change. Employees will have to work without any physical contact everything will be done using technology which means companies need to invest in faster internet.
Ruby said:
on Friday 08-May-20 10:34 AM
After seeing Woolworths cashiers using face shields, I am convinced that, that is the way to go. Its easy on the eye, do not hamper communication and you can certainly still see someone smiling at you. I like it.
As for hygiene practices, we unfortunately will need to ensure this message is drilled into employees.
Bianca Taljaard said:
on Friday 08-May-20 08:32 AM
Things have certainly changed and will be differed for a very long time, like Patrick said, the world is a new place, I hope people see this as a chance to make a good change.
Sujata said:
on Thursday 07-May-20 03:07 PM
Things have certainly changed and this change will be in place for a long time. I think measures that companies are implementing to ensure that their employees are safe are certainly a good thing. The precautionary measures of hygiene definitely will become a normal for most people but many business that are unable to provide safety measures for their employees are not just running the risk of infection of their employees but also that of many others. Smaller business also are unable to carry out measures as gazetted and alternatively risk foreclosure. The business forum will be gravely different in many aspects.
Prishani said:
on Thursday 07-May-20 12:00 PM
I think many business will have to change their working environments and it is something everybody will have to get used to, the good thing is that people will start forming good habits in terms of washing hands, social distancing and disinfecting surfaces.
Patrick Sedutla. said:
on Thursday 07-May-20 10:55 AM
The world is a new place and as you say the work place has to adjust too. With our economy not doing well at the moment, most companies are going to let their staff return back without proper tools to minimise the spread. Many employees will also return to work because reality is that many of us cannot afford to loose employment.
Clare said:
on Thursday 07-May-20 08:01 AM
I agree with your blog, things are going to have to change this is very hard for some because some people are not happy with social distancing i know i am not as i am a huger and i am not going to be ok.... But i do believe that this could be a change for the Good. Maybe people will take more time into there hygiene.
Jessica said:
on Wednesday 06-May-20 05:16 PM
There is always pros and cons to everything. Currently the Pro on this whole world doing lock downs is that the pollution has come down drastically. So I am happy to hear that. I am also happy to hear that some sea creatures are reproducing better now too. I think the fact that everything is going to be virtual it helps allot of people. However everyone likes interaction in person now that is one thing I miss. Those companies that have equipped themselves with the technology needed during this time will obviously not feel it as much as the people that have never taken those steps.
Angelique said:
on Wednesday 06-May-20 04:37 PM
Life as we know it will never be the same again. There will be less contact and companies will need to invest in fast internet, web cams and the like.
Tamaryn said:
on Tuesday 05-May-20 12:39 PM
I'd say that the key to retuning to the workplace is awareness, not only or your health but for those around you too. We'll need to make sanitising a habit, just like you may get up every so often to fill your water bottle or make a cup of coffee, at the same time give your desk and hands, maybe even the door handles and window handles a quick wipe down with sanitiser. Enough practise will make the habit.
Victoria said:
on Tuesday 05-May-20 09:43 AM
Business is going to be different, people will need to wear masks. A lot of things will be done over video calling or normal phone calls.
Bronwyn said:
on Thursday 30-Apr-20 11:01 AM
we can be safe in in the work place but are a lot of other people adhering to these regulations that are put into place i still see a lot of social gatherings happening and young teenagers in groups with no social distancing,parent allowing their kids to play outside.
Chante said:
on Wednesday 29-Apr-20 02:57 PM
Business owners will have to act quickly to address immediate systems resilience issues and lay a foundation for the future of their businesses and employees. This pandemic truly is going to change everything and I doubt anything will ever be the same again.
Jolene said:
on Wednesday 29-Apr-20 11:28 AM
We have to adapt. We cannot expect to do things the same way as before. The quicker we adapt the better. Zoom consultations and trials via video conference will most probably be our new normal.
Brenda Strydom said:
on Wednesday 29-Apr-20 09:29 AM
This is very sad that an lot of people is going to be without work because of the Covid 19.Most companies are closed down and its bad . I can say that we all have to be thankful that we can go back to our work.
fikile said:
on Wednesday 29-Apr-20 09:22 AM
Most companies are closed down because of this Covid-19 and they even put i up on their daily news that they wont be opening ever, even after the lock down because they have lost too much money and they wont risk loosing more but now the question is " What about the stuff at was working for you, what are they to do now that you are no longer opening? What about the product that is still in your companies how are people going to access it and maybe help you get back the money that you have lost and it may not be much but it is something," but still companies have closed either way.
Shristi said:
on Wednesday 29-Apr-20 09:11 AM
Implementing all these policies are fair and well but will people really follow them.. That is left to be seen.
Zindy said:
on Wednesday 29-Apr-20 08:53 AM
There are a lot of measures and employer can put into play. The problem is what happens outside the work place that they bring to the office. Its okay to wash your hands, wear a mask ect at the office if they don't practise same hygiene at home and when out doing their shopping and traveling in public transport ect then it will not help much if they are infected and they bring it to the office. This does have a serious impact on business takes just one member to be reckless or careless and the whole company will have to suffer the consequence depending on how bad the strain is you contract then its not one man down at the office but half the company if not more.
Zandelee said:
on Tuesday 28-Apr-20 08:58 PM
Even with the implementation of all these precautionary measures, a large portion of the population are not adhering to these regulations. This is the sad reality as I do not believe that these people realize how serious this situation is.
Henrietta said:
on Tuesday 28-Apr-20 11:40 AM
I have read that World health organization said that there is no evidence that getting the virus makes you immune of getting it a second time. I do not know if a vaccine will ever be available but only time will tell. Business will be different in the sense of how you interact with your colleagues around you and the public. I can also just imagine how different it will be at the office. Like wearing a mask will be the new fashion. I have to admit that the mask wearing will be a challenge for me as i lip read to hear a person, it is already difficult when the person talking to me is facing away from me, now with the masks like i said a challenge....
Thabitha said:
on Tuesday 28-Apr-20 08:09 AM
Truly life in general has change and it is not going to be the same anymore, we will have to accept the change in order to survive and also be thankful that we can still go back to the office and work
sandra said:
on Tuesday 28-Apr-20 07:40 AM
Everyone can make strict policies and implement same, but from what i have been seeing and reading is that people do not follow strict policies.
Roxanne said:
on Tuesday 28-Apr-20 03:39 AM
I agree but a lot of people are not taking this lock down seriously. I live right next to the highway and it is still as busy as ever, I go to the shops and there are families there with no masks or gloves.
Michelle Smillie said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 05:09 PM
Our President actually confirmed this last night, that masks will need to be worn at all times. However, I have some real doubt as to how many people will actually go through with this. There will always be those that believe they are untouchable and will not be affected, and have no regard for the higher possibility of them being carriers for the virus.
Alexis said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 02:55 PM
The world is most definitely going to have to change the ways that thingsare done, and businesses too. It is a sad reality in which we are living in at the moment and there is huge uncertainty.
Claudia B said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 01:57 PM
I think a lot of businesses will be closing soon and I think a lot did already in the time of the lockdown. When we all go back to work, we will need to be more careful, keep our hands clean and keep our face-mask on. There will be a lot of changes when everything is over, let's hope for the best.
Kathryn said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 01:45 PM
It has provided businesses with a great opportunity to adapt and adjust. The companies who facilitate an online home based / flexible office structures are not as affected as those companies who are resistant to change and unwilling to compromise in their traditional business operations.
Megan said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 12:36 PM
For a long time, face masks will be a necessity when going anywhere. As Cyril mentioned last night, when traveling from a to b, people will be checked that they are wearing masks and have sanitizer and gloves with them. The list released about which sectors reopen during phase 4 almost feels like the same who have had permission in stage, but we will just have to see in these coming weeks.
Natasha said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 11:59 AM
I agree, things will have to be more strict regarding hygiene, I would like to know how we going to tell our kids to stay a safe following distance from their friends when they go back to school and how u going to get them to wear masks and keep it on?
But there is going to be a lot of changes when it all ends.
Melissa said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 11:29 AM
Businesses will have to come up with a strategy to ensure that the work place is a safe and hygienic environment to work, for example wear face masks to work, provide dividers between desks or whatsoever. We have to take this pandemic seriously.
Dasanya said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 09:34 AM
I think many businesses will be forced to adjust their working conditions and take the necessary precautions. As we were told by President Ramaphosa regarding the phased re-opening of the economy, businesses will only be able to operate under strict conditions with the necessary precautions in place and only allowing one third of employees to return at a time. Business operations will definitely not be the same.
Nikita said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 08:15 AM
I have already seen some of the nail salons advertising that they have the screens made and ready for business when lock down ends. I am wondering what scuba diving clubs are going to do with their rented equipment. Most divers don't travel with their breathing regulators and just rent the scuba clubs equipment for the duration of their dive trip. With the sardine run due to start in the next 2 months it will be interesting to see how this will be regulated as well.
Ashleigh said:
on Friday 24-Apr-20 07:44 AM
I heard an expert saying that a vaccine may only be ready by 2022 but their are various people working on it and we can only pray that one comes out sooner then whats being said. This will change people's behavior for a while but in time it will fade away just like it did with the spanish flu in 1918 but only if we can rid this virus.
Joyce said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 08:26 PM
I think any action to life saving is to be followed, any change to defend lives from Covid 19’s War will do.
Michelle D said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 01:03 PM
It is an opportunity for people to come up with new and innovative ways to conduct business. For all the job losses and negative things to come out of this, there will also be many gaps for opportunity and innovation. It will change our lives completely unless a vaccine gets made.
Melandre' said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 10:42 AM
Life has changed inevitably. I agree companies will have to implement stricter policies to combat or curve the spread of the disease up until the world does actually have a vaccine. Technology will now be the forefront of social constructs, meetings can be held via zoom/ video call apps, documents/notices can be served via email, cases are uploaded onto caselines. I also believe certain companies that can allow it, will have those that are able to work from home doing so, unless they physically need to deliver something to someone. Times have changed, and with it we need to adapt.
Nicolene said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 09:26 AM
I agree 100%. We will have to have more strict measures when going back to the office and those that make use of public transport must be extra careful. The way forward will definitely be technology.
Kendall said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 09:26 AM
Our lives will never be the same again. This virus has led people to become more cautious and careful of what they are doing when it comes to hygiene and I believe people will continue doing so. We are very fortunate that a lot of aspects of our lives can still continue through the use of technology by being able to continue working and engage with loved ones through video calls. Upon staff returning to work, it is definitely necessary for strict measures to be implemented in all companies to try and protect all staff in the work place. We cannot stop the inevitable spreading of this disease but we need to do everything possible to try and protect ourselves and those around us.
Karien said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 08:32 AM
The world as we know it has changed forever, and in order for us to survive we must adapt with it.
I read an article published in a medical journal that the novel coronavirus has mutated into at least 30 different genetic variations and that different strains have effected different parts of the world, which makes finding a cure much more difficult.
Life must go on, and technology will be especially useful to continue as "normal". Meeting people face to face in the past was the norm, but I think that making use of other means of virtual communication will become the way meetings and even "social gatherings" will be conducted.
Mathilda said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 08:12 AM
I agree that more strict measures will have to be put in place by all companies when their employees return, especially if they are more than one in an office.
Technology is the way forward more meetings, consultations and trials will be done via zoom or skype as Melissa mentioned.
We are entering a new way of living in order to survive, nothing will be as it was and I believe everything happens for a reason and it does not help if one is negative, as you can't change anything.
This is the time where all of us have to be there for one another, help people that needs it the most.
Nicolle said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 08:09 AM
There is opportunity in change, provided that we don't drag those antiquated curricula and methodologies along with us. Things will be different. Things will change. Change is a constant. It just so happens that this changed is happening quickly and dramatically.
Lucretia said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 07:39 AM
We certainly are living in interesting times, I am keen to see what is going to happen going forward. I am still of the opinion that if staff can work from home and go into the office as and when it is necessary or 2-3 times a week (not all on the same day to make sure there is always limited people in one office at any given time) then this should be the way to go for now, this way keeping your company running but also keeping individuals at a lower risk of contracting the virus......
Melissa van Tellingen said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 07:14 AM
I agree. I do believe that everything we do will change. We aren't going to go to court as often anymore and everything will be done via the internet, being zoom, skype, team meetings and email. We all will have to most certainly be extra precautious the next few moths as they predict that the virus will peak around September with 80 000 infections. That's scary for me a mother. Any measures that one can take to prevent the spread must be taken when returning back to the office.
david said:
on Thursday 23-Apr-20 07:12 AM
the stats are out and numbers do not lie.
take a good look around you, because not all of us are going to make it out of this alive.
be kind.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
