Here are 10 creative and practical ideas for office layouts and furniture to adapt to the coronavirus era.
As COVID-19 continues to threaten the whole world, many businesses have begun to reorganize their offices, which they want to reopen, to protect their employees.
Capacity Sign
Crowded offices are the most challenging part for the coronavirus era. However, additional information and capacity sign can be added to help control how many people can be found in office spaces. The maximum number of people per square meter should be specified in the conference room, lobby, elevator, kitchen or toilets.
Check-in stations in the lobbies
Office lobbies used to be a place where groups met. But not anymore. Office lobbies can now be turned into health check stations to screen workers. It can be transformed into an area where controls such as checking incoming people, measuring their temperatures, supplying masks and disinfectants are carried out.
Flexible desk spaces
During the coronavirus period, measures can be taken, such as not all staff coming to the office at the same time. Thus, since more space will be created in the office area, employees can sit socially distanced from each other with flexible desks. In addition, all office furniture can be thoroughly cleaned every night.
Hand Sanitizer Stations
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes have become much more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. There should be disinfectant stations in crowded places such as conference rooms and meeting rooms.
Improved Air Filtration
Research shows that one of the most obvious ways COVID-19 spreads is through “respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks” and reaches other people. Therefore, excellent air filtration will be a priority for offices. It is recommended that office buildings try to "increase their outdoor air ventilation rates and filtration efficiency" or to install new filtration systems together as needed.
Plexiglass barriers
Many businesses have added Plexiglas barriers to office furniture and workspaces. Thus, even if the employees work side by side, a safer working environment is provided. It is also possible for employees to still be able to see each other and hear each other while speaking.
Social distancing floor indicators
A new way to promote social distancing is to use floor stickers that show how far you actually are. Stickers (or special rugs) can be placed under the employee's seat to indicate exactly how far away other employees should stay while they are chatting.
Everything is contactless
With COVID-19 spreading, offices will invest in contactless devices. For example, entry and exit doors may open automatically or require personal key fobs to open doors instead of door handles. Offices can install automatic toilet seats, soap dispensers, and dryers in toilets, which are a common place for germs to spread.
UV-C lamps
UV-C lamps may have formerly only been found in places such as hospitals. But it can now take place in offices as part of a coronavirus-inspired deep cleaning routine.
Video Chat Rooms
Considering that many employees in most offices work remotely and are likely planning to arrive in a smaller percentage than usual, a smart way to redesign the office is to streamline meetings in newly dedicated video calling rooms. For example, you can turn all small conference rooms into video chat spaces.
