Memphis is Reopening: Get Your Nonprofit Ready
Guidelines and Recommendations for Reopening
As you know, the City of Memphis, Shelby County, and the suburban municipalities have announced that we will enter Phase One of the Back to Business framework today. While we understand that some of you may be reopening your offices today, Momentum Nonprofit Partners staff will continue teleworking through at least June 1st and restrict access to our building to non-employees through the end of the year.
Below are guidelines and recommendations from the federal government, state government, and local government on reopening. The below guidelines are not exhaustive, and we encourage you to click the links to read the full list of guidelines and recommendations. We have also included our own recommendations for reopening your nonprofit.
Federal Guidelines
Continue to encourage telework, whenever possible and feasible with business operations
If possible, return to work in phases
Close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact, and enforce strict social distancing guidelines
Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation during travel
Provide special accommodations for personnel who are members of a vulnerable population
View the full Opening Up America plan here.
Additional State Recommendations
Actively encourage employees who are sick or have sick family members to stay home
Identify a workplace coordinator responsible for COVID-19 issues and workplace impacts
Assess where and how workers and customers might be exposed to COVID-19 on-site
Perform routine cleaning and disinfection, especially of high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, elevators, tables)
Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
Educate employees about how they can reduce the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., avoid physical contact and face-touching, encourage use of personal hygiene such as regular hand washing)
Provide workers with personal protective equipment (e.g., face coverings, gloves) and make hand hygiene supplies widely available (e.g., hand sanitizer, washing stations)
Establish policies/practices for social distancing (e.g., staggered shifts, use of scheduling to influence customer flow)
Promote tap and pay to limit handling of cash; use online transactions whenever possible
View the Tennessee Pledge here.
Additional City and County Guidelines for Offices
Require face masks for all employees.
Require symptom checks for all employees.
Establish work arrangements by which employees are spaced at least six feet from one another
Do not share phones or headsets
View the City and County Back-To-Business Framework here.
Momentum’s Recommendations for Nonprofits
You are not mandated by the government to reopen today. Discuss your reopening timeline with your executive staff and board to create a plan for your organization.
Monitor the infection statistics of the city and state. Be proactive in closing if the infection rates increases — don’t wait for a government mandate.
Create more flexible guidelines for working remotely and paid time off.
Relax your dress code. Wearing a mask is uncomfortable. The rest of your staff’s wardrobe shouldn’t be.
Provide paid sick leave for all staff members.
Monitor your staff’s mental health and encourage self care.
Require all visitors entering your space to wear a mask or face covering. Where available, provide face coverings for your clients.
Mark off your floors and create routes for navigating the office, standing in line for services, bathroom use, etc.
Change your air filters more often than usual.
