A Fresh Start: Reopen Your Office with Safety in Mind
Safely reopen your office with expert space planning, post-pandemic design, and touchless solutions from Office Gallery International. Boston’s safety-first workspace partner.
Post Summary
Comply with local guidelines, redesign layouts for social distancing, implement hygiene protocols, and use touchless solutions.
OGI provides consultative space planning, compliance support, and sources modular, easy-to-clean, and touchless office furniture.
Reconfigure walkways for one-way traffic, install signage, replace high-touch communal items, and add barriers or partitions.
Regular reviews ensure continued compliance, adapt to new guidelines, and maintain employee confidence and well-being.
Boosts employee trust, reduces legal and health risks, enhances brand reputation, and supports long-term workplace resilience.
Fall is finally in the air – and the invigorating cooler days and nights can serve as a reminder to refresh the look and feel of office spaces now that many companies are reopening their doors to employees who for the past months have worked remotely from home.
Yes, the fourth quarter of 2020 is fast approaching – and for so many us, it’s a year we are more than happy to see exit! So, in keeping with an “out with the old, in with the new” mantra, let’s explore a few ways to outfit your office, with safety in mind, once reopened.
Germ reduction is the name of the game in this era of COVID-19, so modifications to existing office furniture are definitely on the rise. In recent years, benching systems have seen a sharp increase in popularity; these open-concept workstations are perfect for employees coming into the office for a limited time, in contrast to full-time staff members located in the office for the majority of their hours.
But the need to modify the density of such seating to maintain safe social distancing could present a challenge. Here is where properly placed plexiglass dividers can come into play. After all, it’s not necessary to completely eliminate a seating system that works – if appropriate safety protocol can be maintained.
Some offices may deem it best to return to cubicle arrangements, but they don’t have to be those “back in the day” layouts that promote a sense of isolation (the very last thing we need these days!). Cubicles are now available with modernized streamlined design, frosted glass walls, and surfaces that offer acoustic properties.
Design ideas to refresh office space include new floor plans to make social distancing more comfortable or the addition of elements such as glass or higher screens to workstations. Sneeze guards, office partitions, panel extenders for workstations, plexiglass shields for reception desks and cubicle and workstation dividers are some of the products and solutions that can transform a pre-pandemic office into a “new normal” environment where form, function and above all the health and welfare of its occupants is the priority.
For more ideas on how to make the reopening of your office safe and visually satisfying, explore our products!
Key Points
What are the essential steps for safely reopening an office post-pandemic?
- Review and Comply with Guidelines:
- Stay updated on local, state, and federal health regulations (occupancy, masks, distancing).
- Redesign Physical Spaces:
- Reconfigure hallways and workstations for one-way traffic and social distancing.
- Install clear signage to direct movement and promote hygiene.
- Upgrade Hygiene Protocols:
- Provide hand sanitizer stations and cleaning supplies throughout the office.
- Replace high-touch communal items (coffee pots, water coolers) with single-use or touchless alternatives.
- Ongoing Monitoring:
- Regularly review safety policies and employee health, adapting as needed.
How does Office Gallery International support businesses in creating safe, compliant workspaces?
- Consultative Space Planning:
- Expert assessment of current layouts to optimize for distancing and safe traffic flow.
- Product Sourcing:
- Access to modular, easy-to-clean furniture and touchless fixtures.
- Barriers, screens, and partitions to reduce airborne transmission.
- Compliance Guidance:
- Assistance in understanding and implementing CDC and local guidelines.
- Integrated Hygiene Solutions:
- Placement of hygiene stations and signage as part of the overall design.
What are the most effective physical changes to reduce transmission risks in the office?
- One-Way Traffic Flow:
- Reconfigure hallways and walkways to minimize close contact.
- Touchless Solutions:
- Install touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and entry systems.
- Barriers and Partitions:
- Use screens between workstations and in communal areas.
- Signage and Visual Cues:
- Prominent reminders for handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and distancing.
- Replace High-Touch Items:
- Swap out shared items for single-use or automated alternatives.
Why is ongoing safety monitoring and adaptation critical after reopening?
- Continuous Compliance:
- Health guidelines and regulations can change; regular reviews keep the office up to date.
- Employee Confidence:
- Ongoing vigilance reassures staff and encourages a safe return to work.
- Feedback Loops:
- Employee input helps identify new risks and areas for improvement.
- Business Continuity:
- Proactive adaptation reduces the risk of outbreaks and operational disruptions.
What are the business and brand benefits of investing in office safety and post-pandemic design?
- Employee Well-Being:
- Prioritizing safety boosts morale, trust, and productivity.
- Risk Reduction:
- Compliance with health guidelines minimizes legal and health risks.
- Future-Ready Workspaces:
- Flexible, modular designs allow for quick adaptation to future challenges.
- Enhanced Reputation:
- Demonstrating a commitment to safety strengthens relationships with employees, clients, and the community.
What specific products and services does OGI offer for post-pandemic office transformation?
- Modular, Reconfigurable Furniture:
- Easily adapt layouts as needs change.
- Touchless Fixtures and Accessories:
- Reduce contact points and transmission risks.
- Hygiene Stations and Signage:
- Integrated into the design for maximum effectiveness.
- Expert Consultation:
- End-to-end support from assessment to implementation and ongoing review.
