After months of working from home, it is evident that the workplace will never look the same as it did prior to the pandemic. Now, distancing, face masks, strict sanitation protocols and the adoption of flexible working are expected to be the norm.
According to a survey of 500 respondents, 99% said that supporting flexible working and a safe return to the office was ‘fairly important.’
So what can business leaders do to ensure that their offices are safe to come back to, while also helping those who want to continue working from home?
For starters, companies should make sure that the workspace is purposeful and supports flexibility. Having areas that support impromptu meetings and collaboration is essential, as this has proven to be one of the most missed opportunities for those working remotely.
This means that organizations should look to increase the amount of shared, collaborative space they use in place of standard fixed desks.
One of the more important factors when adjusting to the new needs of employees is simply putting them first. Their ideas, health and wellness should be the number one priority of any well-oiled organization.
To ensure that the office reflects this, the design of the office space should follow health and safety guidelines, while also decreasing work-related stress using natural elements and color psychology.
Leaders can also keep up with how well their employees are doing through simple regular check-ins or offering a wellness program that grants workers access to mental health support.
