Facility managers may be feeling a sense of urgency to get their business back to normal as soon as possible amid the coronavirus health emergency. But helping employees return to work feeling protected and confident is no easy task. TeamPAR can assist you in creating a cohesive, phased office re-entry program using these three questions as a springboard:
1. How can I re-program the space to create proper social distancing and avoid high-density workstations?
Small changes in workplace design can have a big impact on reducing high-density work areas. A simple floor decal or strategically placed carpet squares can create directional “mapping” and regulate traffic flow. In workspaces with low or no cubicle walls, add partitions to create a physical barrier between employees. Consider repurposing a conference room or private office to create more distance between workspaces. Maybe forego the conference room table altogether, opting instead for an open collaborative area where people can work, share, and communicate at a safe distance.
Changes to work processes can also foster proper social distancing by limiting the number of employees that are on location at any given time. Do this by establishing flexible work hours, rotating shifts, or encouraging employees to work remotely. Allow only authorized employees into the office, and conduct meetings via video conferencing rather than face-to-face.
2. Are you engaging all employees in the process?
As workers head back to the office, they continue to face uncertainty in both their personal and professional life. They’re looking to leadership for reassurance and understanding their expectations and fears will be key to helping them feel safe. Consider conducting an employee survey. It can help you make the right choices to ensure a successful return to the office. Third party surveying can be particularly effective in this case, as it will allow for greater anonymity.
Changes to office design shouldn’t be limited to safety issues. This is a great opportunity to incorporate company culture and employee wellness into the office environment. Motivational murals and posters that reinforce your business culture can promote positivity, enthusiasm, and connection among employees.
And, don’t forget your remote workers! Keep their safety and wellness (and productivity!) in mind by offering “office grade” chairs, sit-to-stand accessories, storage, and home office supplies. Remember, liability still exists, regardless of location.
3. What steps can I take to keep the space hygienic and minimize the transfer of germs?
Your plan for creating a safe work environment that protects employees from risks connected to COVID-19 would not be complete without addressing hygiene. Here, again, limiting the number of employees that are on location at any given time is advantageous. Consider creating a shorter “in the office” week, encouraging staff to work remotely 1-2 days each week. This would allow more time for extensive cleanings to occur when the office is unoccupied. Of course, routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the work environment should continue daily. When in the office, workers should be discouraged from using colleagues’ phones, desks, or work tools and equipment. To minimize transference of germs, install automated doors, lights, and restroom fixtures, and promote frequent and thorough hand washing. If soap and running water are not immediately available, provide alcohol-based hand sanitizing stations, and supply disinfectant wipes at intervals throughout the space, allowing employees to pre- and post-clean any surfaces or equipment they touch.
These are just three questions out of 30 or more that we, as professionals, would help you address to ensure your project is properly managed, from planning and budgeting to design and execution. PARflooring and PARsolutions are experts in all-things “facilities.” We handle the details so that you don’t have to. We get it right the first time, every time, so you can focus on what you do best. Contact the experts in our PARsolutions division to discuss your safety (in the workplace) needs today at (973) 292-0089 or info@teampar.com.
About the author
