DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — Douglas County offices like Realty One Premiere Group brought staff back into the building Monday — offering a preview of what's to come after other local counties' stay-at-home orders lift.
"Well, this is great for us because we're kind of like family," said Gary Carlson, managing partner. "When you work so closely together for so many years, when you're not together, it really adds a whole complexity to trying to do business."
Carlson was able to bring the administrative staff into the office as long as they practice social distancing and work in different areas. He said remote working was fine, but this is definitely better.
"Being able to be in one setting that has all the tools and everything that we have right here, it works a lot easier and more efficient for us," Carlson said.
In Parker, some offices brought workers back while others kept people working remotely. Parker Mayor Mike Waid said he applauds the flexibility.
"The transition here is that if an employee does not feel comfortable yet being open, they have the ability not to be," Waid said. "I mean, this isn't a mandate that they have to open up."
Gov. Jared Polis previously outlines state safer-at-home guidelines, which mandate that larger offices of 25 or more conduct daily temperature checks of employees in addition to social distancing. The office capacity must be at 50% or less and all meetings must consist of 10 or fewer people.
"Here in Douglas County, we've been blessed that our (COVID-19) numbers are significantly lower than anywhere else in the state," Waid said.
Carlson said it is still important to be safe.
"We want everyone to know that we do take this serious and we care about everybody's health," Carlson said.
Waid said this is good for business and for mental health.
"It's also important just for the whole social and emotional well-being of those employees who are now about to get back to at least closer to a level of normalcy," Waid said.
Carlson looks forward to the day when things are back to the way they were.
"I'm very happy that we're moving in this direction." Carlson said. "I think the time is right for us to just kind of move forward."
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