Over the years, workplace design trends have transitioned from the traditional cubicle to open floor plans with less permanent and individual spaces. There has been a significant decrease in designated workstations for employees; instead, a shared space that is fluid and dynamic for any type of employee’s role, whether it be isolated or collaborative, has been favored. However, with the current coronavirus pandemic, there is a change in demand to create new design trends that eradicate the possibility of transmission of the virus and create a healthy and safe environment for all employees.
Here are 5 workplace designs to consider moving your office space forward during COVID-19:
1. Social distancing workstations. Following past trends, designers have been working with workplaces to increase headcount. However, with new social distancing protocols, increased space between workstations should be integrated into the new overall design. Separate benching systems or added dividers between desks not only create space, but physical dividers as well offer employees the ability to work safely without feeling like they are isolated or removed from others in a possible collaborative setting. For individual spaces, a design that has enclosed or private office areas allows for employees to take calls or join a video conference in a conducive environment. Interior design for office spaces can be a challenge, especially during a pandemic such as COVID-19, but a skilled designer finds design solutions for all workplace needs.
2. Install new furniture and layouts. Design goes beyond the aesthetic by finding the right balance between a healthy office environment and good functional design. Our office experts are able to capture the branding and design style of a company while effectively promoting health and wellness. Interior designers can procure products and design schematic layouts that incorporate furniture that have antimicrobial properties. These products help mitigate the spread of viruses and bacteria. Along with the installation of new furniture and finishes, new designs can aid with practicing social distancing by creating new layouts with one directional flow and increased space between workstations. These layouts also consist of rearranging desks and other office furniture to provide additional seating for employees without interrupting workflow.
3. Modernize high-touch points. An interior designer’s team consists of facility managers and planners who work together to identify the high-touch points in the workplace. High-touch points need to be frequently sanitized to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission. With assistance from a designer, it is possible to minimize the number of high-touch surfaces through procuring non-touch items and easily cleanable surfaces. Items such as door handles, buttons, bathroom or pantry sinks can be redesigned with automatic doors, motionless sensors, and touchless bathroom entryways, optimizing workplace protection for the long-term.
4. Repurpose the Reception Area. The reception area is traditionally a space where people check in or wait for entry into the office. The reception area can be repurposed into a multipurpose space for screening employees by having their temperatures taken, sanitize their hands, and pick up personal protection items such as face masks and sanitizing wipes. It should also be a place to post signage and reminders to social distance and follow rules and regulations based on CDC guidelines. A new design for the reception area is a solution to communicate to employees that their health and wellness is a top priority for their organization.
5. Create an Office Flow. Signage and wayfinding are often identified by the facility manager, but an interior designer can create an office flow where employees naturally walk, sit or move throughout the office in a particular direction based on the design. A designer can create and execute a floorplan that has workstations facing the same way and design floor patterns that demarcate which direction employees should be travelling throughout the office.
While the new normal for the workplace is still being planned and researched, consider these 5 workplace designs as solutions to the rapidly changing times for workplaces to keep employees safe, healthy and comfortable during these uncertain times.
At HF Planners we are looking forward to the office design of the future with our interior designers as the office experts! We have skilled designers ready to take on any design challenge and create a safe and healthy environment workplace that works for all. Contact us today for ways we can help you implement these products into the office space for an overall safe work environment and a free consultation!
