DeVono Cresa: Steps To Create A ‘COVID-19 Secure’ Workplace

• According to DeVono Cresa, over half of companies are expecting at least half of their workforce to return to the office within the next three months.
• 26% of businesses are unsure if their office provider or landlord has made shared space COVID-19 secure.
• For that reason, the occupier-only consultancy firm has developed a risk assessment that helps businesses achieve a ‘COVID-19 Secure’ workplace.

The easing of lockdown measures and the gradual reopening of the economy is prompting more businesses to implement a return to the office process for their staff. 

For that reason, DeVono Cresa, the UK’s leading occupier-only consultancy firm, has developed a high-level Return-to-the-Office Risk Assessment, that guides the data needed to help businesses prepare for that safe return and achieve a ‘COVID-19 Secure’ workplace.

View the guide here

The research found that for the majority of firms (69%), the impact of not having employees physically in the office has not been ideal, but firms have managed. Only a small proportion (5%) are finding the situation damaging to their business processes.

Getting staff back into the office is a key goal for employers, with 58% expecting at least half of their workforce to return within the next three months.

The assessment showed that there are areas of concern that should be addressed. 26% of businesses are unsure if their landlord has made shared space COVID-19 secure.

Furthermore, over half (53%) of employees have no desk dividers and 42% of companies have desks smaller than the recommended size of 1.6m. The findings also showed that only 5% of businesses enforce clear desk policy.

When it comes to commuting to the office, 71% of people say their journeys take over 30 minutes.

Chris Lewis and Luke Philpott, who created this report at DeVono Cresa, comment: “Our research showed that there are areas that posed an element of risk. 

“A secure and healthy return to the office, coupled with employee safety and wellbeing is paramount for businesses and will prove to be a useful tool to feed into future office strategy.” 

The DeVono Cresa team recommends:

• Ensure that your staff have enough information and guidance to make decisions about whether to return to the workplace
• Commit to a dialogue with your landlord regarding safety and sanitisation of communal space and amenities
• Introduce robust policies both for working remotely and from the office
• Take time to understand staff wellbeing, mental health and if they are comfortable working remotely or would like to return to the office.