4 fundamental points to adapt your work spaces to the new normality

In November last year we did an analysis of where the new normal is heading with work forms and workspaces(see article). Today after almost three months, companies are still in search of the best solutions to be able to properly welcome their workforce, but where to start?

First, it is important to emphasize that the same pandemic has forced the Mexican Government to create reforms to regulate telework, or better known as "Home Office", so that both employers and workers are responsible for creating and executing telework properly. Here we leave you the link with more information on what came into force this year:

https://www.gob.mx/stps/prensa/entra-en-vigor-reforma-que-regula-el-teletrabajo-en-mexico

With these reforms, and the advent of vaccines, many companies are preparing for the new "Hybrid" way of working by creating new processes and internal regulations, as well as adapting workspaces according to the needs of each industry.

So we will focus on this last point, where evaluating the above issues and coupled with the article we published last year, we look at 4 solutions for the adaptation of workspaces without going into detail with the turn of each company.

1. Hybrid workstations

As its name says, companies need to adapt their workspaces so that employees can share desks, avoiding fixed stations for each employee. This will help to make the use of each station more efficient, since in an organized way they can keep certain spaces occupied by working days; that is, schedule the office days in a certain way so that employees can have a space available when they come to the office. Additionally, it is important to assign certain lockable filing cabinets where employees can store important and confidential documents, depending on their activities to maintain privacy and order.

1. Spaces for videoconferencing

The pandemic has also somewhat restricted business travel, this has prompted everyone to carry out videoconferencing to complete important meetings without having to be physically present. For this reason it is important that the new workspaces have an area adapted to take videoconferences individually, where the outside acoustics are reduced to avoid distractions and give comfort to the collaborator to have a professional and effective session.

1. Distancing

A basic point, and probably the most important to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus, is the famous "Healthy distance" that helps to avoid contagion by means of saliva particles that are released when talking. Therefore, when designing new workstations it is important to have the possibility of mounting barriers between each station to prevent the arrival of these particles, leaving the possibility of dismantling these walls thinking of a future where we can return to normal.

In addition, it is necessary to consider 1.5 m. of distance between each collaborator, which may well be delimited by the workstation itself.

1. Enhanced Sanitization

This point is not entirely a physical modification to the workspace, however, it is important to include it as it will be fundamental to the functioning of the entire office. Having a good sanitation plan, schedules and the placement of signage with hygiene protocols against COVID-19, will help to avoid contagions in shared spaces, and above all to keep the office clean and tidy.

Last but not least, it is advisable to check the air conditioning maintenance to ensure that adequate filters are used to prevent the spread of viruses by this means or, if necessary, make the appropriate modifications.

Taking into account these four solutions for the adaptation of the new workspace, you will be able to give a good and safe welcome to your collaborators. However, we know that all companies have different needs due to the type of business they do. That's why we invite you to approach our experts who, in addition to carefully moving your office from one location to another, have a strategic partner who will help you find the engineering and construction solutions for the creation and execution of office projects.

Contact us!

*Photo credit Knoll