Returning to the office

Priorities, environment and experience. Are these the three key areas to focus on for colleagues? 44’s Hannah Montgomery looks at what kind of makeover is needed ahead of returning to the office as the Covid-19 pandemic continues…

With lockdown restrictions being eased and people gradually making their way back to work, now is as good a time as any to start thinking about what adjustments can be made to ensure absolute safety when returning to the office. Here are three things to consider when undergoing your office overhaul…

1. A change of priority when returning to the office

It’s no secret that the pandemic has stirred up feelings of confusion, frustration and anxiety for many of us. This is why it’s crucial that people feel safe when returning to the office, and though much of this will be down to changes to the layout of the office itself, it’s also necessary to formulate new working practices that will keep people reassured and informed.

According to GLINT, the disruption the pandemic caused has brought difficulty, but also opportunity. Leaders who focus on people-centricity, agility and transparency can help create confidence and connection while allowing the business to become more resilient. To help build this culture, toolkits containing surveys are suggested, as these result in feedback that will help to better understand – and then improve upon – the employee experience.

Uncovering a shift in sentiment through these surveys and one-to-one meetings can help monitor progress over the long term. Plus, if employees feel that their voice is being heard, and that actions are being made to prompt positive change, they’ll be more able to cope with the differences that returning to the office in these testing times brings.

2. A change of environment

Perhaps one of the biggest changes we’ll notice when returning to the office is the actual physical setup of the workplace. Small changes have long been set into motion to allow for safer working and to ensure social distancing measures are being met in various environments, but it’s also important to think about the bigger picture.

Architects are already rethinking how buildings will be used in the future to ensure practicality and sustainability. It’s entirely possible that working from home may become the norm – or at least a valid option to ensure more flexibility for employees – and that the office will be used less frequently as a result. However, face-to-face communication is still needed, so the office space acts as a vital hub for useful and creative collaboration.

Research suggests that as time progresses, employees will become more accustomed to the new way of working and things like regular handwashing and using sanitiser stations will become common practice. Other aspects will require more careful consideration, though. For example, swapping out pieces of furniture for items made from antimicrobial material is a worthwhile investment, as they’re easier to clean and more difficult for bacteria to cling to.

Touchless technology, such as voice activation and facial recognition tools is another way forward, as contactless pathways help to reduce the spread of infection. Envoy states that this sort of modification will add a layer of convenience, and is particularly useful because it doesn’t take a huge behavioural shift, as people are already well acquainted with smart technology.

With these sorts of changes in place, employees will be able to see the tangible adjustments that have been made purposely to ensure their safety, which will likely provide reassurance.

3. A change of experience

With health and safety placed firmly at the forefront in light of coronavirus, it’s now more important than ever to make sure you have the right resources in place to keep your colleagues fully supported and protected.

Deep cleans, health and safety assessments, rigorous routine checks… following the right guidelines set out by the Government is an absolute must for when returning to the office. The CIPD says employers have a duty of care to identify and manage risks and that they should take their time with gradual returns to thoroughly test the health and safety measures in place before encouraging more of their workforce back.

People need to fully understand what they should be aware of when returning to work. Acas suggests speaking to staff before making any decisions because this will help them feel included, as well as giving them a better understanding of the situation. Consulting with trade union and health and safety reps before reaching any agreements is also recommended.

The end goal: safely returning to the office

In these unprecedented times, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, especially since different businesses have different setups and demands. However, safety and flexibility are clearly big factors in this transition, and staying abreast of the latest rules and regulations is essential when it comes to returning to the office.

Nobody anticipated the coronavirus, but now that it’s here, we have to take action. This is a transformation that needs to happen – out with the old, and in with the new!