Employers are preparing strategies for the return of their employees to offices. However, as experts from JLL point out, after a massive shift to remote working, not everyone will be leaving their home at the same time.
The motivation for employers to return is all the greater because, according to our study, which focused on analyzing employee feedback regarding home office, many of us have been missing their ergonomic office chairs and diverse workspaces. However, there is no doubt that the current situation will result in a redefinition of the working environment and change employees' habits and behavior for a long period of time, and maybe even permanently. Therefore, when preparing the return to the office scenario, companies should not focus on ending the home office work mode as quickly as possible, but look at how to give their people a sense of security and minimize the risk of infection within the office space.
comments Jakub Zieliński, Team Leader, Workplace Advisory, JLL
1. A day in the life of an employee
Analyzing how many employees commute to the office by public transport or by car, what route they take from the moment they enter the office, how many teleconferences and meetings on average they have, whether they prepare their own meals or rather eat out - the current situation will mean that employers will have to get to know their teams even more. The aim is to map in detail all potential risks and situations in which an employee is exposed to a higher risk of infection.
explains Jakub Zieliński
2. The office and starting from scratch
In practice, this will involve selecting the workstations at which employees can sit, determining which conference rooms can be used and what capacity they have, and deciding on movement flows in communal spaces. The office will have to include a system of markings similar to those in public places. However, these newly installed signs should not sound ‘dramatic’ in nature. It is also possible that companies will have to introduce one-way ‘traffic’ in the office space as well as employee rotation plans.
underlines Jakub Zieliński
3. Office building backstage
Technical aspects related to the functioning of office buildings are now the focus of attention for all property owners and tenants. Preparing the building for the return of employees can be conducted in two stages. The changes that we can introduce in the short term include increasing the amount of supply and air flows within the limits of installation specifications, extending the ventilation time in the office space where it will not affect the efficiency of ventilation, limiting the use of fan coil units and air conditioners, and of course - tightening cleaning procedures for communal spaces. Remember that the coronavirus, depending on the surface, can be active for up to three days”.
explains Paweł Warda, Head of Project and Development Services CEE, JLL
We are talking about such solutions as non-contact-controlled lifts, automatic door openers on tenants’ office spaces, as well as lighting systems based on motion detectors and light intensity sensors, which until now have not always been identified with office space. In the long term, companies can also invest in in modifications to ventilation systems that will help purify the air.
adds Paweł Warda
4. Do not forget about communication
Transparency, appropriate signaling of upcoming changes and well thought-out, regular two-way communication are certainly elements that should accompany all employer activities. Employees must be sure that the company has thought through the entire process of return, and that everything is being done for employees’ health and safety. Let us also remember that we need to give ourselves time to acquire new habits and ways of behaving in this new "normal”.
concludes Jakub Zieliński
