How to Ensure Employees Feel Safe in Their Post COVID-19 Office Space

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has brought massive disruptions to our lives. Though businesses are back to normal, many employees feel unsafe. According to stats, only 53.4% of the world’s population has got a single dosage of COVID vaccination. The number of vaccinated people in Australia is 71.39%. In Canada and Sri Lanka, the percentage is 75.88 and 63.76, respectively.

Since many people are either partly vaccinated or did not receive even their first dosage, employees get insecure. Lack of ventilation and improper hygiene practices further intensifies their concern.

Therefore, workspaces that support hybrid working should maintain cleanliness and encourage social distancing as mandatory. These critical steps can sigh relief to the employees coming after a long halt.

Workspaces Prioritizing Physical Distancing 

Maintaining a six-foot distance is the biggest challenge when returning to the office, especially for those with limited workspaces. These offices can either work in shifts or look for transformations. Following are some suggestions for maintaining social distance:

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Workstation Enclosures

Using a plastic shield or a glass barrier on the desk is an excellent idea for ensuring safety. It is a transparent shield that acts like a wall and ensures employee safety. The desk will only support individual working capacity. However, it will be helpful when employees need to interact with one another.

Table with Limited Chairs 

For maintaining distance, offices should have big tables but with fewer chairs. For instance, if the table is for 12 persons, using six chairs instead of 12 will help maintain distance. The remaining six workers can work from home and rotate shifts on alternate days.  

New Work Space 

Many new workspace structures are available, designed specifically for the post-pandemic era. If there is ample space, going towards renovation is a good step. For this, many office fit-out experts can help renovate the space as per your unique requirements. However, make sure to communicate your budget, IT requirements, and downtime beforehand to avoid errors. 

In this new office construction, there should be a separate cabin for each employee. Even in the meeting room and waiting area, the sitting arrangement should ensure social distancing. All these things will require a lot of space. But, the professionals will make sure to make the most of the available space.  

Open Floor Space Focusing on Ventilation 

Right after the pandemic, the concept of open floors is trending. In this system, employees work in an open area instead of an enclosed cubicle. Here are a few benefits of this structure:

Fewer Touch Points 

Since there is a central area for entry and exit, no separate doors are present. Thus, employees do not need to touch the door handles for entering different rooms. Likewise, the absence of cubicles eliminates the need to touch their openings. The fewer touchpoints reduce the probability of catching harmful pathogens.

Good Ventilation 

Ventilation prevents the virus from accumulating in the air. If one employee is infected and there is a lack of ventilation, the chances of catching the virus will increase. However, in an open area, where there is no segregation, maintaining ventilation will be easier. You can conveniently open the central windows and let the fresh air come inside.

Furniture, Finishes, and Low-Touch Appliances 

In a post COVID office, adaptable furniture and easy-to-sanitize finishing material are imperative. Here are a few valuable suggestions:

Furniture

There is a need for lightweight and easy-to-move furniture with an ability to adjust for various activities. Since preparing for the next wave is essential, flexible furniture should be a part of a contingency plan. This furniture will help in case the office changes its floor plans.

A studio named Pearson Lloyd has introduced this kind of furniture. The collection comprises desks, tables, accessories, and chairs. One best part about this furniture is its reconfiguring feature. Within minutes, employees can adjust the furniture for multiple purposes.

Furthermore, microfiber sofa covers and cushions are ideal for cleaning. By using a solution of alcohol and water, cleaning this fabric becomes easier.

Appliances 

From open space floors and kitchens to bathrooms and meeting areas, there is a need for innovation. Instead of using communal appliances, separate dishwashers and refrigerators for every department are necessary. Microwaves, coffee makers, and water coolers should also be kept separate.

Self-Cleaning Furniture 

In an open space office, self-cleaning furniture can work tremendously. This furniture has a titanium dioxide polymer coating. Due to the direct exposure to sunlight, it reacts with water and self-cleans the surface. Thus, employees can feel comfortable working in a hygienic environment.

Technology 

Integrating the latest technology for reducing touchpoints can make an office space safe and work-friendly. Some of the best options are listed below:

• Hands-free light switches that can sense hand motion

• Touchless kitchen faucets with hand sensor

• Automatic doors with facial recognition or motion sensors

• Touchless elevators with sensor

Small Meeting Rooms 

Today, a hybrid working system is the most efficient. In this system, some employees work from the office while others practice remote work. However, those working from the office need to stay connected with the remote workers. It may require meeting rooms for discussing essential plans with the team.

These meeting rooms should be small where at least two persons can sit easily. But, maintaining social distance is essential. Besides this, the room should have self-cleaning furniture and a touchless door, as described above.

Communication 

Last but not least, communication with employees is mandatory. Team leaders should communicate how the organization is taking care of the preventive measures. Employees should know about all the latest changes in an office building. Speaking about additional sick leaves will also make them feel at ease.

Wrapping It Up 

Conclusively, employees returning to work after the pandemic break are full of stress. Therefore, options like renovation or designing new workspaces are a viable step towards employee safety. If organizations integrate touchless technology and maintain social distance, employees can get free from this trauma. Moreover, hygiene practices, self-cleaning furniture, and good ventilation can also ensure employee safety.

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