Since the sudden lockdown, the home office has become the new norm and people had to adjust to this really quickly. When things slowly return to ‘normal’, the requirements of liaising with clients and colleagues, as well as the human need for interaction, will undeniably have people return to their workplace; although the home office has definitely become a beneficial alternative.
After this period of very low economic activity, the pressure will be on to regain efficiency and productivity. Key to this will be making employees feel safe and secure. It is very likely that modern office layout trends will have to be rethought – shared desks, relax zones, workstation density etc. are all areas that will likely see significant changes in the coming months. In creating Covid-safe areas, we still need to ensure that the office environment remains a place for creativity, cooperation and exchanging ideas.
Here are a few ideas how to change your open plan office layout to prevent the spread of infection and minimise impact of a further outbreak in the future.
Single protective screen at a desk
Desks and workstations
Desks and workstations should be reconfigured to allow at least 2 metres between employees. Desks should also be reorganised to create back-to-back or side-to-side working arrangements whenever possible. PROTECTIVE SCREENS should be installed to allow staff to work closely without the risk of cross contamination. Shared desks applications should be redesigned to allow for safety using MODULAR SCREEN CONFIGURATIONS – ideal for office desks, canteens and boardroom tables.
You can also read the blog: “PROTECTIVE SCREENS AND WHERE TO USE THEM” for more ideas!
Modular X-format screens for shared desk applications
Open Plan Office Design Flexibility
A flexible ‘open plan’ office design could make use of a VARIFLEX® MOBILE ACOUSTIC PARTITION SYSTEM to effortlessly create individual offices or meeting areas that not only offer privacy, but also Covid-safe areas. The system is so easy to handle, it takes mere minutes to create a space that is insulated. The individual elements park neatly to one side using only an overhead track, thus leaving the floor finish uninterrupted. This allows for the open plan area to return to its original flow with enough space for social distancing and the minimum of 2 meters between employees’ desks.
Variflex® being set up for individual offices and meeting rooms
Glass Quiet Spaces
Glass partitions create a safer environment and maintain a higher level of germ-free spaces to limit the potential spread of infection. That with the added benefit of natural light and the importance of creating a QUIET space within an open plan application, the GF SERENE is the perfect solution. These acoustic demountable internal glass partitions system, are quick and easy to install, remove and reinstall, thanks to modular elements and flexible frame components. Looking back at the open office, imagine creating a glass box and thus retaining that sense of openness, with added benefits of acoustic privacy and creating Covid-safe areas.
GF Serene allowing QUIET OFFICES in an open plan application
Amongst the challenges and barriers your business is facing right now, it is important to adapt your working spaces to adhere to distancing requirements. Take time to plan your new layout to ensure it will work for your staff and still works for your company goals, or contact one our representatives for advice. By taking the correct measures to keep your staff safe and your business functioning, future impacts of an extended pandemic or new waves of infection will be minimised. Investing in these preparations properly will not only protect staff, but will also minimise the risk of financial impact from absence or closure. Take this moment as an opportunity to refresh and revitalise your workspace and allow it to work as best it can, to support the current demands of your team and the day to day running of your business.
Contact us today so Aluglass Bautech can help you with your open-plan office layout while preventing the spread of infection!