With the rising cost of commercial real estate, office refurbishments in the post COVID world will help operators scale back their requirements and boost employee confidence in one fail swoop.
That’s because with the continuation of remote working, flexi spaces will become more popular with operators, reducing the costs of leases and office fitouts.
Employees will also be happier with their work-life balance, spending a few days working at home and a few days using the flexi spaces in their place of employment.
Here are three more refurbishments that will help keep your employees safe and comfortable in the office, post COVID.
Office refurbishments will include separated workstations
Open plan work spaces have never really been popular with employees, but can be adapted, post COVID, to create more separation and privacy.
New office refurbishments might involve installing privacy booths so that employees can take phone calls without disrupting their colleagues.
Refurbishments can also involve installing panels between socially distanced workstations creating a physical separation, promoting a healthier environment even with a fully vaccinated workforce.
Hygiene & cleanliness as a prime factor in office fitouts
COVID has made us all more aware of hygiene in the workplace, so expect office fitouts to include more options for hand washing, as well as soft furnishings and flooring that can withstand a high level of cleaning. Air conditioning will also be a big focus with the installation of UV light air purifiers gaining more momentum.
High-tech refurbishments promote a contactless office
Social distancing and hand washing can be taken up a level by including aspects of a contactless office in your refurbishments.
This design strategy focuses on reducing the number of surfaces, appliances and equipment that employees need to touch.
For example, how many people touch the elevator buttons in your building? What about the kettle, fridge and other appliances in the lunch room? The printer, fax or scanner? Voice activation or smartphone apps can be used to activate an amazing array of functions in the workspace, reducing contact and making communal areas safer.
