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COVID-19: Physical distancing in your office space
As we re-enter our physical workplaces, maintaining social distancing is top of mind for many. Companies will need to adapt their office spaces while employees must adopt new behaviors to ensure the entire team is able to work effectively from a safe distance of 2 meters.
Many office layouts will require reconfiguration in order to maintain this requirement for physical distance. Rather than immediately investing in a full office re-design, first consider temporary adjustments and promoting behavioral changes that could help address this need for increased personal space. For example:
- Create alternative work areas in meeting rooms to allow greater space between workstations.
- Where limited space is an issue, consider installing temporary clear plastic panels or other partitions to act as physical barriers between desks.
- In offices where a receptionist is present to greet visitors, install a clear plastic panel to create separation.
- Avoid crowding spaces by staggering times for arrival, lunch breaks, and departures.
- Reduce the need for in-person meetings by encouraging virtual collaboration whenever possible.
Providing visual cues and communicating reminders will also help support this transition. Signage and tape arrows can be used as tools to illustrate paths for one-way traffic. Use tape markings to indicate 2-metre spacing in areas where queues may form (for example, around a copier or coffee machine) and to mark appropriate distancing for seats in conference rooms.
Implementing these initiatives at the early phase of re-entry will build a foundation for working collaboratively in a shared office space. Take note of feedback and insights from employees as they shift behavior toward this new normal and become comfortable working together again. These positive changes will help shape longer-term adaptations that can be made to enhance your office culture and improve the health and safety of your work environment.
If you plan to lease an office space or renew your lease in the coming months, contact us and we will be happy to assist you throughout the process.
As we re-enter our physical workplaces, maintaining social distancing is top of mind for many. Companies will need to adapt their office spaces while employees must adopt new behaviors to ensure the entire team is able to work effectively from a safe distance of 2 meters.
Many office layouts will require reconfiguration in order to maintain this requirement for physical distance. Rather than immediately investing in a full office re-design, first consider temporary adjustments and promoting behavioral changes that could help address this need for increased personal space. For example:
- Create alternative work areas in meeting rooms to allow greater space between workstations.
- Where limited space is an issue, consider installing temporary clear plastic panels or other partitions to act as physical barriers between desks.
- In offices where a receptionist is present to greet visitors, install a clear plastic panel to create separation.
- Avoid crowding spaces by staggering times for arrival, lunch breaks, and departures.
- Reduce the need for in-person meetings by encouraging virtual collaboration whenever possible.
Providing visual cues and communicating reminders will also help support this transition. Signage and tape arrows can be used as tools to illustrate paths for one-way traffic. Use tape markings to indicate 2-metre spacing in areas where queues may form (for example, around a copier or coffee machine) and to mark appropriate distancing for seats in conference rooms.
Implementing these initiatives at the early phase of re-entry will build a foundation for working collaboratively in a shared office space. Take note of feedback and insights from employees as they shift behavior toward this new normal and become comfortable working together again. These positive changes will help shape longer-term adaptations that can be made to enhance your office culture and improve the health and safety of your work environment.
If you plan to lease an office space or renew your lease in the coming months, contact us and we will be happy to assist you throughout the process.