An unseen virus has created havoc all across the world and has forced people to rethink the old norms. With a plethora of new normal regulations being enforced, it is essential to prepare a well-researched roadmap for office design to enhance hygiene and safety.

When it comes to workspace, people want to return to a place that feels humane and homely. In such situations, it is important to take regulatory measures to transform the workspace taking into consideration, the social distancing norms. Here are much-anticipated modifications that every office must undergo post COVID-19.

1. Re-analyse the Office Layout

Following the new norms, it is compulsory to keep the optimal distance between the workstations. Earlier, most of the offices provided 60-70 square-meter space per employee. With the latest six-foot distance rule, it is mandatory to redesign office space such that each person must occupy 100 square-meter. Hence, giving a makeover to the office space has become non-negotiable.

Expansion of space must be considered seriously to allow a safe space between the workstations. Installing transparent shields for every employee will allow them to see and communicate freely while still ensuring safety. Another great way to align office design is by arranging the work stations in the shape of X or Y, so a team can liaise freely by working together (while still being separate).

2. Open Plan Offices are Here to Stay

Open offices gained immense popularity in the last few years and they are not going anywhere. Open floor plans are easier to clean and disinfect. They are versatile and can be rearranged in a bunch of ways. However, adopting an open plan would mean more people in a single room and therefore, higher chances of pathogens in the room. The best hack to work in open-plan spaces is by installing an office climate control system to disinfect the room at regular intervals.

This is a great time for offices to go green and promote healthier styles. Having vertical gardens and green pods increase air filtration and cleaning naturally.

3. Invest in Performance Materials

Old materials served well until a few months back but now it is time to reform! Fabrics tend to hold the virus for longer, therefore, office furniture like chairs and carpets should be upholstered. Investing is easy to sanitize or self-cleaning materials should be prioritized. Smart fabrics with antimicrobial properties can largely eliminate the spread of infection while still enhancing office aesthetics.

4. Rethink the touchpoints

Doorknobs, appliances, switchboards, and bathroom flush are just a few areas that people reach out to very often. This is the time to upgrade office design to incorporate with technological features like motion sensor lights, automatic doors, and other such advancements.

For a new adoptive design, it is essential to install visual displays with unique routes pertaining to the social distancing norms. Such indications will help employees to find out less busy routes and alert the areas when clutters are formed. Signboards must be present at regular intervals to guide the employees about the newly created paths.

5. Embrace the New Normal

It is time to think out of the box and adapt to the unconventional systems. Personal hygiene and safety will always remain the key and it is important to preach the employees these new rules. Rearrangement and shifts will happen soon or later and it is best to follow these social distancing measures to ensure safety.

Now is time for business owners to redefine the office space to boost the morality and productivity of the employees. Are you a business owner looking to get your office reformed according to the new post COVID-19 rules? Get in touch with our expert designers to help you build an efficient office that will promote safety and provide a positive working culture!