COVID in the Workplace

The Era of the Socially Distanced Office

Follow Our 3 Step Plan to Safely Return to Work 

After months of lockdown restrictions and the nation adapting to working from home, we are creeping slowly back to normality, with some offices re-opening their doors for employees. However, for the modern office (which is often open plan and features collaborative work spaces) it may not be as simple as inviting everyone back to work. 

At Workplace Interior Shop, we have created a three step plan to Covid-proof your workplace, ensuring both yourself and employees feel safe and supported. 

Step 1: Reassess Your Hygiene Measures 

It’s time to take individual responsibility for your work areas. For many establishments, pre-covid routine probably looked like a cleaner coming in once a week… or perhaps sharing the hoovering rota yourselves! In this new reality, it’s important to take precautionary measures at every stage of the work day: on entering the building, in the office, and at the end of the day.  

• Antibacterial gel. You’ve probably become familiar with sanitizing gel over the last few months! Installing gel dispensers (ideally automatic) is one of the quickest and easiest ways to implement hygiene solutions.
• Digital Thermometer. Checking temperatures on entering a workplace is a speedy way to ensure no one is showing symptoms. 
• Face Masks. While the rules fluctuate with government guidance, it is certainly a good idea to invest in face masks for your workforce. If you are concerned about unnecessary waste, then there are a range of reusable mask options on the market, and even some that can incorporate company branding. 
• Sanitizing Wipes or Spray. At the end of the day, having sanitizing solutions on hand ensures workstations are kept clean and safe for the next person who uses them.  
• Social Distancing. It may seem obvious, but social distancing should still be maintained. Read on to find out how distancing measures can be implemented… 

Step 2: Implement Physical Barriers

A recent survey from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) reported that 39% of workers are concerned about not being able to socially distance when back at work. This issue is arguably one of the biggest challenges business owners are currently facing. So how can this be resolved? 

If money permits, redesigning your office space can be a great option to implement physical distancing measures, such as new working areas and adequately spaced desking. However, due to this period of financial instability, the vast majority of businesses are likely to be saving money rather than splashing out. Consequently, low cost, high impact changes will be key. For example the addition of protective screens is an affordable and hugely effective option. Not only do screens ensure a feeling of safety at work, they come in a range of designs and functions, so there is a solution for almost every environment. From reception counter barriers to free standing screens, there are hundreds of options.

Step 3: Think To The Future

For new builds and office renovations, the pandemic has provided a lot of food for thought. While we are hoping to return to normality sooner rather than later, it is important to future proof your build, meaning you are better equipped for recurring restrictions and the likelihood of continued hygiene measures. 

Sensible additions to any project would include touchless measures such as automatic doors, lifts, and built-in automated systems for visitor check-ins. Even the materials used may be reconsidered. For example, wipe clean surfaces such as laminate and stone are favourable over porous materials which are much harder to sanitise. 

How Can We Help You at Workplace Interior Shop? 

We supply a vast range of products, from wipeable ceiling tiles to office screens and dividers which can help you achieve optimal hygiene measures in your workplace. For more information about our Covid solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to discuss the best options for your office.