Return to the Workplace Orientation Template

Our priority remains your health and safety. Our [add appropriate OPI] have been working hard to ensure your return is smooth by assessing and readying the physical workplace to conform to the BRP and physical distancing requirements, and establishing individual team priorities so you can hit the ground running.

This orientation contains important information for you. Your [add appropriate OPI] will go through this with you and we are here to answer any questions or concerns.

Our workspaces and facilities have changed. You may have noticed some changes when you came in today such as directional arrows on the floor to ensure pedestrian traffic flows in one direction, one-way staircases, some building occupants wearing masks, limited occupancy on elevators, less seating in common eating areas, and some collaborative spaces marked as not available. All these changes are to promote physical distancing.

The following Public Health Measures (PHM) as well as the use of non-medical masks are integral to a safe return to the workplace.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or sleeve and not in hands;
• Respect physical distancing (2m/6’);

You may also see the following measures to promote physical distancing and keep you safe:

• Certain doors into Secure Zones designated as In or Out and marked with signage.
• During a fire alarm or evacuation you can use whatever door is closest and follow usual evacuation protocols. We will ensure that enough trained staff are available to help in an emergency situation. Given that some of your colleagues are working from home, you may be asked to volunteer to help in this regard. More news will follow on this topic.
• Certain hallways may be one-directional or off limits and marked with red X’s to allow for more cubicles to be occupied and allow for 2M distance to others.
• We have marked the workspace temporarily with directional arrows and signage to assist us. Your [add appropriate OPI] will walk you around and explain the signage for clarity.

• Confined spaces such as printer rooms or washrooms may not be a one-way area. Entering and exiting these spaces will require communication and respect of personal space between colleagues. Please wait outside the room until it is available to use and communicate your movements to your colleagues who are using the space. We will place cleaning products in printer areas for disinfecting. Please follow the directions for sanitizing surfaces, especially electronic devices that may be more susceptible to damage.
• Collaborative spaces will be limited and may be adjusted to allow for 2M distance.
• Any visitor chairs in cubicles should be removed at this time. They can be labeled and stored to promote physical distancing.
• Conference rooms will have less seating and some chairs will be removed to promote physical distancing. Rooms must remain with limited seating until we are informed otherwise. Self-regulation will be required and group meeting sizes will need to be minimized.
• A temporary “no assigned seats” posture and/or a staggered seating arrangement for cubicle occupancy can allow for 2M physical distancing. We recognize that this can be disruptive and we appreciate your cooperation. If you have concerns about ergonomic considerations and arrangements, please speak to your supervisor.
• As long as the work area and the assignment of seating ensures a 2M distance, the wearing of a mask at your cubicle while you are working is not necessary. The non-medical masks are provided to you in the event you cannot ensure a 2M distance from someone while working or walking around.
• Every member of staff is being provided with non-medical masks for use when 2M distancing cannot be respected. Contact your manager or chain of command in order to obtain your non-medical masks. You are encouraged to wear these masks when appropriate. For details, visit the Government of Canada’s About non-medical masks and face coverings web page.
• The Department of National Defence (DND) has designed training on COVID-19 which is mandatory for all staff and was created by Canadian Forces Health Services Group. The course title is: COVID-19 Awareness / Sensibilisation à COVID-19 MITE 122255. It is available on the DLN:
  • DWAN/DVPNI: http://dln-rad.mil.ca
  • Home Internet: https://dln-rad.forces.gc.ca/login

Since March, extra cleaning protocols have been put in place in facilities such as extra cleaning of frequent touch points like door knobs, elevator touch points and bathrooms. Enhanced cleans will be ordered by Management if deemed appropriate (for example, in the case of a potential COVID-19 contact.)

Keeping your desk free from clutter and paper will facilitate cleaning so you are encouraged to keep a clean desk.

We are still gathering information on the services that will be available onsite. It is expected that food and other services will open again in a phased approach. We will inform you once we have details to share. It is expected that these services will also be following the recommended public health directions for physical distancing, please follow all instructions posted. Use of the kitchen areas, fridges and microwaves will require physical distancing.

In [add your organization] we have provided you with non-medical masks for your personal use.

Disinfecting stations with supplies like disinfecting spray, paper towels and disinfecting wipes are located in common areas and in some conference rooms. You are encouraged to use these after you use the area(s). These stations are clearly marked and will be continually stocked.

DND recently rolled-out the use of Defence 365, including MS Teams. Please familiarize yourself with this technology and use it to communicate and collaborate with your teammates and colleagues. This tool can be used for instant messaging, video conferencing and document collaboration. Training is available, please take the time to learn about and become familiar with this new tool.

Your collaboration, communication, participation and patience will be essential as we get used to this “new normal” and new way to operate to ensure everyone’s health and safety. The KEY will be for us to learn… listen… observe… adjust.

The following links are provided for your information:

1. Defence Team – COVID-19 web page
2. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (Accessible only on the National Defence network.)
3. HR Go (Accessible only on the National Defence network.)
4. DM/CDS Directive – Public Health Measures and Personal Protection (May 1, 2020)
5. CDS/DM Directive for CAF/DND Activities in a COVID-19 Environment (Spring 2021 Posture)
6. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)