After months of working from home, Boris Johnson has given businesses the green light to get their employees back into the workplace.
But as employers consider re-opening their doors, it’s likely that offices will look quite different to before.
New purpose
Pre-pandemic, the daily ritual of commuting into the city and working from an office was just part and parcel of working life.
However, with employees now used to working from home and well-versed in Zoom meetings and virtual catch-ups,
getting back into the old swing of things is likely to be a challenge.
For many of us, the office was a place to come together, brainstorm and share ideas –
a buzzy environment with chatter over desks, break out areas, and regular tea runs.
In fact, open-plan offices have soared in popularity in recent years as employers increasingly recognize the benefits of a more flexible, collaborative working environment.
But as we start to navigate this new world, businesses will need to understand that the purpose of the office may change.
Rather than a hub of social interaction, employees might view it as a quiet place to concentrate,
A change of scenery from home offices, or simply a place to attend essential meetings.
Safety first
First and foremost, the safety of employees needs to be top priority for businesses.
Everyone will need to up their basic hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and hand sanitizer on tap.
Enhanced cleaning and regular disinfecting, especially on high-touch points, will become the new norm.
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