If you're outfitting an office, you'll need to create a safe environment that allows employees to socially distance. Plus, the space will need to account for changing work practices. To help you redesign and outfit your office, consider the following tips.

Larger Workstations

The trend is towards larger individual workstations that allow more space between employees. COVID shook up customary business practices, enabling many staff to operate from home. Post-COVID, some workers may split their time between the home and office. In that case, you'll need fewer desks anyway, allowing you to increase their size without necessarily requiring extra office space.

A hot-desking system where workers can book and share workstations is one model that would allow you to construct fewer, larger workstations and ensure enough for all workers. You could amp up protection by erecting clear perspex dividers between desks. That way, the office will feel open and airy, while minimising germ transmission.

Collaborative Spaces

Changing work practices also call for different collaborative and social areas, depending on the type of business you're running. If people work at home at various times, they might come into the office for meetings, to collaborate on projects, and to catch up in person rather than on Zoom. To accommodate these scenarios, you could build pods or gathering areas for several people. Otherwise, you could construct open spaces if you envisage larger groups attending work for catch-ups. Consider the tasks that employees will undertake when in the office, factoring in the overall numbers of people you'll need to accommodate. Wide aisles will allow everyone to maintain distance while getting around the office, helping prevent transmission in your workplace.

Hygienic Materials

It's essential to select materials, when constructing your post-COVID office, that can be hygienically wiped and kept clean. Perspex, glass, powder-coated metal, and laminate joinery are all options that will allow you to maintain standards. Some specialist stain-resistant textiles, like certain fabrics, are available for sofas, chairs, and other furniture.

Excellent Ventilation

A well-ventilated office with fresh air circulating will help to prevent a stale atmosphere from affecting multiple people. If a worker does happen to have COVID and they're asymptomatic, the virus will be less likely to spread and affect others in a workplace with excellent ventilation and pure airflow.

By undertaking office fitouts that create safe workplaces, you'll help lessen the chance that your business will inadvertently spread the virus. Not only is this better for everyone's health and safety, but it will ensure your company can function with fewer interruptions. Reach out to a professional for more information about office fitouts. 

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