Working from home (WFH) has been the buzz statement of 2020 with many companies relocating most of their workforce to WFH in light of COVID-19. From March to June it was a novelty but after a while the ability to work in our pyjamas has officially worn off. Particularly, in some areas of the world where lockdown of cities has been extended and their citizens are under curfew, WFH simply does not have the same appeal as it once did.
According to results of the Australian Financial Review survey of almost 1,500 office workers across the US, UK and Australia (a quarter of whom were in Australia), 48 per cent of Australian respondents in April and May said they "love" working from home, but that proportion has dropped to just 33 per cent earlier this month. The publication reaffirmed this by noting “people have fallen out of love” with working from home and workers are keener than ever to get back to the office so they can build relationships and discuss ideas with their colleagues again. In a separate survey conducted by consultancy firm, CT Group, 2 in 5 people believe now is the right time to return to the office.
The question is, how do we meet, collaborate and work when in a COVID-normal world?
Before employees return to the office, there are important measures required within the workplace, all of which are to ensure hygienic and low risk work environments for staff. In Australia, companies who need to get people back into the office are required to have COVID-Safe plans in place which adhere to government guidelines. With the office landscape changing, companies are looking at the concept of office planning and understanding how to effectively manage a workspace effectively with innovative technologies.
Workforce trends
Social distancing is now an important defense in keeping workplaces running in a safe and healthy way. The 1.5m rule between people has now well and truly been etched into our brains, not only in our day to day personal lives e.g. going to the grocery store or travelling on public transport, but also while we work. Whether that is in an office or in a warehouse, it is imperative we abide by these guidelines.
Some trends for how employers can keep their staff safe in shared spaces, include the use of semi-permanent “barriers” between employees as well as “sneeze guards” to reduce exposure between a visitor and a member of staff. Other strategies include the reconfiguration of workstations and desks to allow space and create distance between people in shared or open plan office spaces.
Hot Desking and Booking Systems
Some organisations have adopted a hot desking system to encourage flexible working arrangements, keep staff safe and manage the use of the space inside the office. Booking systems for hot desking are an efficient way of tracking who needs a desk, where they need it and what time they will be there, all by using a mobile app and a digital interface on the desk itself.
Other advancements in booking systems include those relating to cleaning protocols. For example, automatic colour LED’s on the booking interface that give the message that the desk needs to be cleaned before another person can use it. These features can also assist with contact tracing for anyone who has come in contact with someone in the workplace who is ill.
Further safety measures
Enhancing safety measures, such as touchless movement of height adjustable desks, is now even more of an important consideration for organisations. For example, a desk fitted with a LINAK system (DPG) can be adjusted with ease with an Desk Control App, either via the user’s mobile phone or a desktop PC. This avoids unnecessary touching of desk components, furthermore stopping the spread of any germs onto surfaces. The app can also be used to set any additional features of the desk the user wishes to utilise, including memory and reminder functions. Measures such as these will also maintain the general health and well-being of employees. Companies also have the flexibility to customise the DPG with their logo or even a staff members name, to ensure safe and easy visuals of who’s desk is who's.
As we move into this COVID-normal world, it is as important as ever for organisations to adopt new ways of working to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees. LINAK strives to meet the future through innovation and new technologies.
Stay updated with new insights and innovation via our LinkedIn or download our MOVE Brochure.
