Post-COVID Workplace
Returning to the workplace won't be easy.
Let's prepare together.
Challenges
The COVID-19 crisis has created new challenges for businesses along side with new opportunities. While the future is unknown, we must take action now to respond and plan for what's ahead.
Before the shutdown, human interaction was essential to daily routines. Being able to converse in shared spaces with fellow coworkers strengthened teamwork and encouraged collaboration. As a technologically advanced generation, we've adapted by getting tasks done remotely via online conference calls and the web. Nevertheless, we have still been missing out on the true intrinsic experience of working together face-to-face and socializing. The informal shared spaces that promoted working collectively are non-existent nowadays. These areas of social interaction increased levels of productivity, ultimately playing a big role in an organization's growth.
Let's work together in creating the new workplace!
Now
Safety is the number one priority in reopening the workplace.
Maintaining a hygienic environment that promotes well-being is key. Think about your office layout right now. Is your office space optimized to fulfill the needs of social distancing and minimize contact? It's time to step away from the open office layout and instead cooperate in alternative ways.
Distance
As directed by the CDC, we are encouraged to keep a six foot distance between one another. Respecting an employee's privacy will give a sense of psychological comfort to boost productivity and safety. Consider the proximity of work spaces in your workplace, it is necessary to build boundaries using screens and walls between workers so they can collaborate from a distance.
Direction
The office is a not an assembly line, however, envisioning how traffic will flow around the workplace is vital in promoting a safe place of work. In doing so you can reduce human contact and prevent individuals from bumping into each other. Add divisions and mark spaces with specific tasks to be completed solely in that area. Read more into workplace guidelines sets by the CDC.
Design
As you re-envision the workplace reflect upon design aspects for your building. Offering a wide range of seating options will give flexibility and contribute to your ergonomics score. Likewise, make a shift to easy-to-clean surfaces to create an optimal environment of work.
Retrofit
Adapting to new workplace requirements
In light of social distancing, rearrange your office layout by avoiding work spaces that are side by side. Remove any unneeded furniture and make sure the 6 foot distance is visually apparent between each working space. Also if necessary, rotate desks so workers will be facing away from each other when barriers are not available.
Scheduled cleaning and disinfecting is strongly encouraged. If hoteling stations are a part of your workplace, make the change to having only one user per station a day. It must be mandatory for employees to clean and disinfect their work area before starting the day and after their work day is over. Make sure to stock up on personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies to provide to staff when needed.
Actively remind your employees in key touch point zones to practice social distancing. Create signage to note how far each employee should stand and provide information on about how to properly wash hands in the bathroom. Place arrows to direct traffic flow throughout the workplace, especially in smaller areas.
Being in a room crowded with people may bring fear to some, as the government limits the number of people occupying one space. Use video conferencing as a tool and enforce the policy across the company. If face-to-face meetings must occur, make sure physical distance is maintained between members.
Masks are encouraged, especially in public spaces. It is for your personal safety, but also the safety of others. COVID-19 is noted to transmit between people through respiratory droplets, and in order to slow the spread companies need to provide all personnel with masks. Along with the masks, offer proper training on using them.
Teleworking is an option to encourage social distancing when possible. COVID-19 may require some employees to work from home longer than employers expected and working remotely should not lack in productivity. To reduce injuries due to bad posture and boost productivity, provide your employees with the all the essentials for their home office.
Guernsey, Inc. now offers Home Delivery. To learn more about the features of the SHOP program click here.
Protect your employees and customers in areas of close contact by installing clear and durable safety barriers. Implementing these shields will decrease transmission of germs and droplets when interacting with customers. We can help you place these barriers to cater to your specific workplace needs.
What's Next?
The future is looking bright.
Every workplace is unique. As you plan to reopen your office building, be prepared to reconfigure your entire layout to meet set guidelines. Our goal is to support each of your team's specific needs with all the resources to get going again. As technology advances, look forward to new workspace options with hands-free design and new materials for easier cleaning. With all that is going on in the world today, Interiors by Guernsey is working closely day-by-day to follow set guidelines and keep you updated with the latest information.
Let's have a chat today! We're all in this together.
