7-15-Oakland, CA -6 Ways Offices Will Look Different After The Covid-19 Pandemic

Office set-ups like these were common before Covid-19 but companies will need to rethink their layout now to ensure social distancing and good ventilation. — DAVID MARK/Pixabay

Recently, offices have adapted an open floor plan that allows their employees to interact and collaborate on projects together.  However, that’s all going to change when we return to work soon. Companies need to adjust their layouts and adhere to the social distancing guidelines. You’ll see many new concepts in the upcoming months, including these six.

Adapting to the New Normal

As employees head back to the office, they’ll need to adjust to wearing masks and staying six feet apart at all times. Many offices are color-coding their office floors so employees know where six feet is. Cleaning will become even more strict since you don’t always know if you have the virus so disinfecting is key.

Employee Friendly Designs

In order for employees to adapt to the new normal, offices are adapting their designs. These often include wider hallways and doorways or one-way passage areas to minimize cross traffic. Some offices are adding well-lit staircases to void overpacked elevators.  Designers are using a minimalist approach with less furniture, lots of light, and simple white backdrops.

Health Check-Ins

Each company must adhere to health guidelines so they have a designated professional taking employees’ temperatures each day and asking if they have any COVID-19 symptoms before allowing them to enter the building. This is to lower the risk.

Rotating Work Days

Even as we return to work, many of us may not work a traditional 5 day a week schedule. Some offices are bringing only around 30% of their employees back at a time, which is safest for social distancing. They may suggest rotating workdays, where some people work remotely one day and work in the office the next.

6 Feet Apart Offices

Desks for your staff must be placed at least six feet apart, with glass partitions separating them. Offices may look more like cubicles again. In conference rooms, chairs are placed at least six feet apart in a well-ventilated room. Some companies are opting for web conferencing to avoid gathering in one room.

Contactless Technology

Many offices want to avoid their employees touching communal buttons. They’re adapting motion sensors to doors so the doors will open if you wave as you approach them. In the office restrooms, they’re installing hands-free entrances, automatic soap dispensers and motion-sensing toilets, where you wave and it flushes. We’re in different times now.

These are just a few ways the offices will look different. Next week we will be starting to discuss the zoom home office during the quarantine. If you have any questions,  please contact Refresh Organizers & Designers at (510) 570-1292.