Dec 23, 20213 min read

Social Distancing Remains: Does Your Signage Convey This?

As businesses start moving toward the “new normal,” safety measures such as social distancing and masking in certain situations can help maintain the progress we’ve made. We’ve compiled a list of essential signage to protect your customers and employees and send the right messages about your business.

As we look forward to 2022, one thing we’re all grateful for is a slow and steady return to normal—or, rather, a “new normal” since many of the safety measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic will be here for awhile. Masking and social or physical distancing have proven effective in stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus. These measures also dramatically reduce the transmission of the flu and other commonly spread infectious diseases. Now is the time for integrated marketers to ensure their signs are in step with the latest health and safety guidelines and will stand out and stand up to the needs of their business. Let’s look at how you can use signage to protect your customers and send the right messages about your business. In the workplace Keeping a safe workplace starts by staying informed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides specific recommendations and mandatory COVID-19 safety and health standards. There may be additional guidance and standards that vary by state, city or county. Protect your employees by placing social distancing signs in high-traffic areas where people will likely congregate. If you’re temporarily reducing capacity in the kitchen, breakroom or other parts of your facility, we can help you make signs that communicate this and look great. In the retail environment Even though physical distancing has been a part of our lives for nearly two years, it’s still easy to forget to observe the six-feet-apart guideline. Offer your customers visual clues in high-traffic areas (e.g., the line for checkout or restrooms). Floor clings are an excellent solution to keep people properly spaced throughout your store. Another way to instill customer confidence is to display your protocols for cleanliness and sanitation. Start in the restrooms with a standard “All employees must wash hands before returning to work” sign. Using signs to notify your customers of enhanced cleaning practices can provide reassurance about your safety practices. In the restaurant environment Almost more than any other business or industry, restaurants have had to be resilient and innovative to stay afloat. Before your customers even set foot in your establishment, advertise what you’re doing to protect them on your website and through your social media channels. Your customers will want to know if you’re offering curbside pickup, cashless payments, limited seating (or open-air dining) and anything else that might change the dining experience. If you’re admitting and serving customers, you’ll still need signage that communicates your policies (e.g., when and where masks are required) and helps patrons maintain a safe distance. If it fits your brand, a clever or light-hearted physical distancing sign will put a smile on your customers’ faces (even if you can’t see it behind their masks). Committed to your health and safety Keeping your business safe starts by communicating smart, early and often—and we’re well equipped to help you on all fronts. Whether it’s creating branded social distancing signage or developing a long-term communications strategy, we can help you keep your customers and your bottom line safe. Call us to learn more about what we can do for your business.