The pandemic has impacted the way we use public spaces and workspaces in the long term. The fear of another outbreak or a new virus spreading made the public more cautious and concerned about their safety especially about going back to work. This poses new challenges for interior designers, developers, and building managers. Here are some post-pandemic design ideas that can help your business ensure health and safety in the workplace:

Adapting Hospital Elements into the Office

People are more aware of the presence of viruses and diseases in the workplace due to the pandemic. Design experts are now foreseeing that some elements in hospital facilities will be integrated in the workplace. This means that sinks and hygiene stations may be more present other than restrooms to make disinfection more accessible in the workplace.

Materials that can withstand heavy cleaning are now recommended by experts. Solution-dyed carpets with moisture-barrier backing are a great alternative since it can withstand heavy shampooing.

Air filtration with UV lighting is being eyed by experts as the next trend. Heavy UV cleaning after office hours can dramatically improve air quality in the office.

Rethink Meetings and Meeting Spaces

Big gatherings won’t be a common sight after the pandemic. For the short term, virtual attendance for people who don’t necessarily need to be physically present in a meeting is a good alternative. For the long term, consider expanding and redesigning floor plans for meeting spaces and/or integrate virtual meetings with physical office meetings.

Adding More Outdoor Spaces

Installing outdoor terraces and roof decks can give a seamless indoor-outdoor connection to workers. These outdoor spaces, especially in a post-pandemic office, can provide work areas with fresh air and enforce social distancing effectively.

Improve Privacy without Sacrificing Collaboration

Post-pandemic, open office designs might not work due to enforcement of social distancing. Cubicles are still a good fit in providing individual space but there are ways to make employees feel that their privacy is secured without making them feel being boxed in. Look into workstation designs that can effectively improve employee privacy. Privacy screens are a good alternative if you’re on a tight budget.

Consider Adapting ‘Contactless Office’

Investing in smart office solutions like automated doors and windows can eliminate the need for communal buttons which can become a breeding place for viruses and diseases. Look into voice-activated technologies that control lighting, audio, and visual equipment in conference rooms.

Source: Arenson Office Furniture