Office design evolves throughout the years, but the impact of COVID-19 has brought about swift changes to many workplaces. If you’re considering reopening the office soon, you may be interested in finding ways to maintain a sense of community in the workplace while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. Here, we share strategies to create a socially distanced design that allows the collaborative nature that’s so crucial to fostering a strong team culture.
Portable Workspaces
Flexibility in the workplace was already becoming a growing trend before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s expected to become even more of a mainstay. More offices are embracing portable workspaces that can be moved to any area in the office that the employee wishes. Portable setups allow for the utmost flexibility, and employees may even be able to find a place outside to soak up some sun during the workday.
Desks That Create Physical Distancing
Sitting just a couple of feet away from co-workers is no longer a workable option, so be on the lookout for desks that create physical distancing. Think of horseshoe shaped desks that are placed next to each other, creating a physical barrier of at least six feet. This configuration provides peace of mind and plenty of personal space while offering convenient opportunities to collaborate with neighboring desk mates.
Conference Room Meetings
If your office has a conference room that used to accommodate 20+ people, you can still use this room for its intended purpose–just in a scaled back way. When you need to hold a team meeting or training session, consider inviting a handful of people into the conference room. This will allow ideas to converge while adhering to physical distancing recommendations.
Office Design with Outdoor Seating
Access to the outdoors is linked to improved productivity and mood, and as an added benefit, COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases are less likely to be contracted in the fresh air. If your office building has a courtyard or other outdoor space that allows employees to spread out, you may be interested in setting up desks or seating arrangements at least six feet apart.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in significant changes to the workplace that may become permanent. If you’re planning to welcome employees back to the office soon, you may be on the search for ways to implement smart solutions for office interior design. Whether you have a plan in place or you need some guidance cementing your vision, our team is here to help. To learn more about how we can assist you, please contact our team.
