- A global coalition of flexible space operators and advisors are developing back-to-work guidelines.
- The initiative aims to share information and coordinate efforts ready to welcome people back into the office.
- The coalition includes advisors from the architecture, engineering, design, and real estate sectors, along with public health experts.
Yesterday, Industrious announced the official formation of the Workplace Operator Readiness Council (WORC), a global coalition of 15 workplace operators and over 20 advisors who will work together to develop return-to-office guidelines.
Flexible workspace operators that are part of the council include:
- Awfis
- Convene
- Found 8
- Fora
- Great Room
- Hana
- IOS Offices
- iQ Office
- International Workplace Group (IWG)
- Ikigai Kenya
- Industrious
- JustCo
- Mindspace
- Talent Garden
- The Work Project
The council was established in partnership with operators from America, Europe, Africa, and Asia; and it will be supported by advisors that include representatives from companies from the architecture, engineering, design, and real estate sectors. Some notable mentions include CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Gensler, and Hines. The council will also be advised on public health by experts in the field.
The initiative aims to share information and coordinate efforts that will produce a better, safer outcome for companies that are ready to welcome people back into the office. The council is sharing what is working and what is not in places where lockdowns have been lifted.
The goal of the council is to provide a safe and healthy environment for people to go back to, which will not only ease the transition but will also reassure workers that their health and safety is being taken into consideration.
Even though lockdowns are slowly being lifted, many individuals will likely harbor fear and anxiety from the pandemic. Reassuring them that measures and steps are being taken can make the return to the office a much smoother, enjoyable experience.
Reassuring individuals is particularly important for flexible workspace operators as many of them have a large portion of their portfolio dedicated to shared, open areas.
For the time being, some health and hygiene guidelines identified by the council include establishing safe distance between employees and members, sanitization practices of common areas, and improved air quality and airflow.
The guidelines can potentially minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread at work, but also of other diseases like the flu and common cold. It can also improve company readiness and preparedness should something similar happen in the future.
Find out more about WORC and keep up with the latest developments here: www.workplace-council.org
