How United Co. is Ensuring a Safe Workspace
United Co. remains open for members and guests throughout the pandemic. We are committed to keeping our workspaces and meeting room facilities available to new and existing members, guests and nearby businesses and those who require a safe and suitable work or meeting space. Our team continually reviews OH&S guidelines, ensuring we make all the necessary adjustments to meet state and federal government guidelines. We look forward to welcoming you to our business centre, when you are ready. Please review this page for more information on our COVID-19 policies and procedures as well as helpful information and resources.
Physical Distancing
To assist you with physical distancing we have reduced the density of seating in communal areas. Signage and floor stickers have been placed at reception, members kitchens and the in-house cafe to indicate occupancy guidelines and help remind you to practice good hygiene and maintain 1.5 meters distance.
Increased Hygiene & Cleaning
In addition to our regular cleaning regime, we have implemented additional cleans of high traffic areas and touch points such as door handles, lift buttons, handrails, meeting rooms, lobby furniture and kitchens throughout the day. We encourage you to use the provided hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and tissues provided at all entry points and in kitchens.
Health & Wellbeing
When you return to work, we ask that you practise self care and good hygiene. If you feel unwell, please stay at home. Help us and other members of our community by maintaining physical distancing so we can provide a safe workspace for everyone. Finally, we ask that you inform us immediately if you or a member of your team present symptoms of Covid-19 and assist us with contact tracing. Personal information will be kept confidential.
Business Support
We continue to support business by providing services in our business centre as well as remotely. We offer a range of virtual services to support you and your business while working from home from mail handling and forwarding to reception phone answering as well as administrative support.
Communications
Members are encouraged to keep and eye out for notifications on the members portal. Our Centre manager will continue to provide members updates via regular email communication with new information, developments and resources to support your business.
Communal Facilities & Events
Our members kitchens, phone booths, gym, wellness studio and quiet room are available for members to use under the Covid safety guidelines. Community events will be hosted in a Covid safe manner, with current guidelines in mind. Members can connect remotely in the video room on our members portal, or by joining scheduled webinars and virtual events.
Return to the Workplace after COVID-19
Many businesses adapted to Covid-19 by working from home and adopting technology to help team members connect virtually. We are here to help you transition back to the office.
- Our team is available to assist members with adjusting office layouts where possible.
- We encourage members to use the available break out areas and flexible workspaces to comply with physical distancing.
- Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of 24/7 access and let their teams work in shifts by extending work hours and staggering staff members returning back into the workspace.
- You can request additional cleaning of your workspace by contacting the front desk.
- Any of your guests attending meetings with you in the centre or in a meeting room will be asked to sign in with the QR code at the front desk. Registered details will be used for contact tracing purposes only if required.
Meetings & Events During the Pandemic
We continue to support you by hosting your meetings and corporate events.
- We can help you to find a suitable space for your meeting in line with current Covid guidelines.
- We are able to host meetings and events maintaining physical distancing guidelines.
- Meeting rooms are cleaned thoroughly after each meeting.
- Occupancy guidelines are indicated for all meeting rooms.
- Phone conferencing can be added to any meeting room booking.
- Video conferencing is available in our boardroom to help you connect with remote teams.
- All attendees will be asked to register their details at the front desk. If required, the registered information will be used to effectively conduct contact tracing.
Incident Management
Should any person that is attending United Co. present with symptoms of Covid-19 or is suspected to have come into contact with a case of Covid-19, the following steps must be followed.
Covid- 19 Incident Procedure
Step 1 – If a member, guest, visitor, contractor, supplier or employee presents with Covid-19 symptoms. A United Co. Coordinator will be notified and escort the individual to an isolation room.
Step 2 – The individual exits United Co. promptly by own means or in the case of an emergency by arranged transport for medical assessment.
Step 3 – If a case is confirmed, Department of Health leads the investigation and notifies all persons required for contact tracing purposes.
Step 4 – If the United Co. Coordinator is notified of a positive case an immediate notification will go out to key stakeholders.
Step 5 – United Co. will operate under the direction of DHHS.
Read More
As directed by Safe Work Australia, United Co. will notify WorkSafe Victoria of a case of COVID-19 at United Co. when:
- the case of COVID-19 has occurred in the workplace and where it is the cause (or one of the suspected causes) of a death at a workplace;
- they become aware that a member, guest, visitor, contractor, supplier or an employee has received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and has attended the workplace within the infectious period*
*Infectious period means the date, being 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis (whichever comes first), until the date on which the person receives a clearance from isolation from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Notification is required regardless of whether DHHS is already aware of the case. Subject to Victorian Privacy and Data Protection Act, Health Records Act and any other statutory restrictions on the disclosure of information, DHHS may inform WorkSafe Victoria of a
case of COVID-19 where a risk of transmission has been identified in a Victorian workplace. WorkSafe Victoria may also be consulted about cases of COVID-19 in workplaces.
Source: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/incident-notification-covid-19
As directed by Safe Work Australia, United Co. will notify WorkSafe Victoria of a case of Covid-19 at United Co. when:
- the case of Covid-19 has occurred in the workplace and where it is the cause (or one of the suspected causes) of a death at a workplace;
- they become aware that a member, guest, visitor, contractor, supplier or an employee has received a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis and has attended the workplace within the infectious period*
*Infectious period means the date, being 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms consistent with Covid-19 or a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis (whichever comes first), until the date on which the person receives a clearance from isolation from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Notification is required regardless of whether DHHS is already aware of the case. Subject to Victorian Privacy and Data Protection Act, Health Records Act and any other statutory restrictions on the disclosure of information, DHHS may inform WorkSafe Victoria of a
case of Covid-19 where a risk of transmission has been identified in a Victorian workplace. WorkSafe Victoria may also be consulted about cases of Covid-19 in workplaces.
Source: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/incident-notification-covid-19
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We Continue to Support Your Business While You Work Remotely
If you enjoy working from home or plan on adapting a hybrid way of working in the future we can help you stay connected with other members and your customers.
- A virtual office helps you to maintain a professional image for your business no matter where you choose to work.
- Never miss a call with our phone answering services and ensure business continuity.
- A business address can help you keep your home address private while you keep running your business from home.
- Enjoy administrative support without the need to hire anyone and add another member to your team with a virtual personal assistant.
- Member’s mail we receive is stored securely. You can choose to have your mail and parcels forwarded to a nominated address or we can scan and email a copy of letters you receive.
- Flexible office space is available for a day, month or long-term.
- Full-time and Part-time coworking memberships and day passes are available so you only pay for workspace when you need it.
Getting to Work at United Co.
Many people have relied on public transport in the past to get to and from work. United Co. is easily reached by public transport, but also encourages members to consider other modes of transport.
- If you or your employees rely on public transport, flexible work hours can help you avoid peak hour public transport.
- Walking or cycling to work is a budget friendly and healthy way to commute. If you cycle to work, we provide secure bicycle parking and end of trip facilities for your convenience.
- If you choose to drive to work United Co. provides on site parking. You can purchase a day pass online or add a reserved car park to your membership.
Together We Transition to a New Business As Usual
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we work forever. We have all been forced to adjust our daily lives as well as our working lives.
While we keep assessing developments on a daily basis, we also look ahead to a new future and plan ahead to adjust to a new normal together with our community.
We welcome anyone to reach out with concerns, suggestions or questions. Current members are welcome to reach out to the centre manager for assistance or information.
If you like to get in touch with our team for more information on our services and find out how we can assist your business.
Covid-19 Resources
We created a list of helpful resources for your business. Including sources of reliable news and information.
What to do if you or someone around you feels unwell? Get step by step advice or use the online self-assessment tool.
Call the Covid Hotline for advice
1800 675 398
Where to get tested for Covid-19
Testing locations
Information around coronavirus from the Australian federal government
health.gov.au/
Look after your mental health and wellbeing
Get support
Coronavirus Support for businesses in Victoria
Business.vic.gov.au
A guide to make sure your workplace is compliant
Workplace COVID checklist
Create a contingency plan for your business
Covid-safe plan
Download the Covid safe app
Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Latest news around coronavirus in Victoria
Updates and media releases
The latest numbers around coronavirus in Victoria
Covid-19 Data
Data and statistics around coronavirus worldwide
worldometers.info