Governments across the globe are beginning to slowly lift the lockdown restrictions that we have all become accustomed to over the last few months. So, what does this mean for businesses? Some are saying that office life will never be the same, and they are probably right to a certain extent. But, as humans, we naturally thrive on collaboration and interaction with colleagues for the creation of new ideas, and for problem-solving. There is only so much that can be discussed via video call, so the office will still have a role to play.
A Welcome Return to Routine?
For many, working from home has at times been a welcome change, with increased flexibility allowing a healthy work-life balance to be found. However, those working remotely also often resent the multiple video chats where frozen screens and delays can make communication stunted and strained. Businesses need to find a middle ground where team members have the best of both worlds, at a safe distance.
There are of course many businesses where remote working is just not an option such as in salons, restaurants, and shops. These business owners will be keen to get up and running whatever it takes in order to recover financially after this long break.
How will offices and workplaces look post COVID-19?
So just what can employees expect to be faced with when they come back to the office?
Hygiene First
Seeing hand sanitiser stations on the way in and out of buildings is becoming the norm for things like supermarket shops, and the same will need to be implemented in the workplace. Reminders for staff to wash hands and clean surfaces will be commonplace and we may even start to see these reminders automated into smartphone technology. For larger businesses, warehouses, and factories, body temperature checking technology could be used to monitor staff before each shift begins.
Offices pre-pandemic may have had a cleaner coming in at least once a week, but this just won’t be enough when returning to work post-COVID-19. Cleaning routines will need to be increased with each team member regularly disinfecting their workstation. Communal areas such as toilets and kitchens will need even more attention and some workplaces may choose to keep areas such as kitchens closed to avoid risk.
Physical Barriers
A recent survey from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reported that 39 percent of workers are concerned about not being able to socially distance when back at work. For the here and now business owners will be focused on adapting their current workplace in order to open safely, even if only for a reduced staff force. Investing money in redesigning and refitting the office is a great plan if you can afford it but after such a strange period of time, most businesses will be saving money where they can rather than splashing out.
The low cost, high impact changes will be key. Changes such as adding protective screens (also known as sneeze guards), are affordable and have a huge impact, making team members and visitors feel safe; a quick and easy win. Screens and partitions reduce the spread of the virus but they also act as a constant reminder to team members that they need to stay apart. These simple but effective adaptations are essential for most offices and especially any reception areas where visitors may be coming and going. Other useful reminders include stickers on the floor and posters to remind people about social distancing rules.
The Contactless Office
Doors, handles, toilet flushes, keyboards, lift buttons, and much more; there are so many surfaces that we touch regularly without even thinking about it. It is very difficult, especially within larger organisations to ensure these surfaces are disinfected between each person. This is where automated, contactless technology comes in. Automatic doors, touch-free toilet flushes, and motion censored hand soap dispensers are all great ways to reduce the risk posed by these ‘high traffic’ surfaces that everyone will touch. As previously mentioned we may see smartphone technology evolve to remind staff about hygiene measures and this may also act as a warning system for staff if they get too close to one another.
Space and Airflow
In terms of creating space and allowing adequate airflow, this will mean fewer staff members in the office at any one time, more shift patterns emerging and a step away from the traditional open plan feel. Making use of any outdoor areas for meetings is a great idea where the weather conditions allow.
Futureproofing the Office Environment
For new builds and office renovations, technology will have a huge part to play. A touchless office with automatic doors, lifts, and built-in automated systems for visitor check-ins would be ideal for preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria. Even the materials used may look different in the future with architects, designers and office fit out firms moving away from more porous materials such as wood and focusing on stone/ laminates which are easier to keep clean. Wider corridors, doorways and more partition walls will likely be within the plans for any workplace new builds/renovations.
Preparation is Key
Due to the serious risk posed by this virus, business owners must be prepared before allowing any staff to return to the workplace. As discussed a return to a cellular office plan or continuous remote working could be detrimental to employee productivity, workplace culture, and communication. The office is still needed to bring a sense of community and collaboration. So, a middle ground with a balance between office and remote working with reduced staff numbers in the workplace each day would be the ideal solution. Preparing your workplace for staff to come back to work may seem daunting as their health is at stake. At Gravity Office Interiors we offer a full consultation, design, installation and aftercare package for offices wanting to implement social distancing. We can install those all-important low-cost, high impact solutions. Get in touch for more information.
