Why self-tests should be part of everyday office life

on 14 April 2021
by Eva Schuler

#flattenthecurve #stayathome #menschenbeiburdaforward #corporateresponsibility

This week, the decision was made: companies are now obliged to offer their employees Corona tests at least once a week. The procedure, which is a challenge for many companies, has been part of everyday life at BurdaForward for weeks - a good occasion to share experiences and motivate people to take this step.

At all seven BurdaForward company locations, the offices remain largely empty. For almost 12 months, the offerings such as FOCUS Online, Chip.de or Bunte.de have been managed almost entirely from the more than 800 home offices of the employees. Sometimes, however, concentrated work in one's own four walls is simply not possible, for example because technical equipment is needed on site, the flat is too small or the child is too noisy. That's why it quickly became clear to BurdaForward: The offices should remain a safe place to go for all colleagues who absolutely need them.

But how do you make your colleagues feel as safe as possible inside the offices? In addition to strict distance regulations and the use of air filtration systems, BurdaForward relies on the provision of self-tests. All colleagues using the office are explicitly encouraged to sign in and complete a self-test before entering the premises. The new procedure was quickly accepted and led to those who have to go to the office feeling much safer there. There were many positive reactions, especially to the possibility of having the tests sent home by BurdaForward. This way, one can already use the tests in one's own four walls - whether for professional or private reasons - and thus additionally minimise the risk.

I am regularly here in our Munich office three, sometimes even four days a week. I always take advantage of the opportunity to get tested. The test is quick and easy, ideally I do it at home. Even before the tests, I never had an uneasy feeling that I could possibly be infected in the office, because the safety and hygiene measures are very consistently observed. The test is now the cherry on the cake, which also gives me a sense of security on a private level, for example when I visit my mother.“

Lisa Brack, Deputy Editor in Chief at E-FAHRER.com

I really like working in the office because I feel really safe there. Although I already have a vaccination, the self-tests are an important component of BurdaForward's safety concept for me. I always take a test home with me to do on the next working day before I go to the office.“

Oliver Markert, Creative Development Director at BurdaForward

Eva Schuler

BurdaForward Communications

During my studies I discovered my enthusiasm for communication. Here, at BurdaForward, I have now been given the opportunity to live it out. When not in the office, you can usually find me somewhere in the mountains for mountaineering and skiing or on the Isar.