During lockdown, we all have a responsibility to do what’s right thing within our personal power. For some people, that means not being able to see their family members or going outside – beyond grabbing the necessities. For many businesses, that means warning others of the danger that might be nearby.

You’ve probably noticed, but signage related to COVID is an excellent avenue used by a multiple of companies to remind people the importance of hygiene safety.

Whether it’s a sign reminding people to keep a 2m distance or it’s a warning plaque telling people to clean their hands or wear a face mask – it’s imperative we all work together in whatever way we can to quash the virus.

But why listen?

Of course, you’ve seen the signs, and (hopefully) you’ve followed the rules of what the sign was telling you to do.

But why or how does signage prove to be so effective?

A study from the National Institutes of Health concluded that signage was an effective route to cause behavioural change – whether that change was rooted in environmental, health, or road actions, there was a direct link between them.

During their research, they found that one of the reasons signage was an effective form of behaviour modification was because ‘the link between the goal… and the specific action requested was existing’.

Essentially, when we know what the goal is (for example, the want of lockdown to lift, the safety of people, and protecting ourselves from COVID), we’re willing to follow through with the specific action – for example, wearing a mask and using hand sanitiser.

Another possible reason concluded for the ease of convincing people to follow signs is down to the repetitive action of continued obedience.

What we mean by that is as the importance of wearing a mask is ingrained in us, when we see a sign asking us to do so, we automatically just do it.

The importance of signage

Signs work. You know that, and we know that.

And that’s why during lockdown and COVID, we need to do everything we can that keeps everyone safe and gets our lives back to how they used to be.

Now you that know what you can do to help with COVID, it’s up to you to follow through.

You can contact us to create your COVID signs at 01473 325806 or info@sfy.org.uk.