Many are beginning to wonder what the future of offices will look like after COVID-19 and design company, Steelcase, is helping create this concept with its new guidebook, 'The Post-COVID Workplace.' Detailed in the manual are steps businesses can take to go back to work without compromising health and safety.
The Post-COVID Workplace guide tackles three areas: the density of the workplace, the geometry of the furniture arrangments, and providing dividers such as screens or panels. The guide suggests creating hands-free solutions, using engineered materials that are easily disinfected, the use of sensors to monitor the wellbeing of employees and increasing video capabilities to reduce travel.
In addition, workplaces should, of course, maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from employees—this could be achieved through different height if floor space is limited, meet only in open spaces, reduce shared desk space, re-orient furniture to reduce face-to-face orientation, separate desks, and implement moveable screens.
Pandemic-Fighting Office Concepts
Steel Case Debuted a Manuel of Suggestions to Return to Work
Trend Themes
1. Post-covid Workplace Design - Steelcase's guidebook provides innovative solutions for a design overhaul focusing on health and safety.
2. Hands-free Technology - Engineered materials and increased video capabilities reduce physical contact and minimize the spread of illnesses.
3. Wellbeing Monitoring - The use of sensors to monitor employees' wellbeing opens up opportunities for tech solutions to enhance safety and productivity.
Industry Implications
1. Office Furniture Manufacturing - Companies producing furniture made from engineered materials and incorporating hands-free tech can address the need for COVID-safe products.
2. Sensor Technology - Developers working on sensor technology to monitor employee wellbeing can create smart solutions for office surveillance and safety.
3. Video Conferencing Technology - Companies providing video conferencing solutions can help reduce the need for travel and keep employees safe while keeping them connected.