Most experts agree that COVID-19 is likely to become endemic, meaning businesses will have to plan for potential outbreaks in years future. The pandemic has also taught companies the importance of being prepared for new viruses that may emerge in years to come. As a result, businesses are dramatically rethinking their office designs to meet the demands of the new normal. Here are some ways that the appearance and layout of offices may change:
1. Fewer Workstations
COVID-19 forced companies that were previously reluctant to allow employees to telework to adopt work-from-home arrangements. Now, many of these same businesses have discovered the benefits of having their teams work from home at least part of the time. Even as shutdowns are lifted and restrictions ease, many employees won’t be returning to in-person work every day or at all, so fewer workstations will be required to accommodate them.
2. More Automatic Fixtures
Office designs in the new normal will reduce the number of surfaces you need to touch as much as possible. Companies that weren’t already using automatic faucets and paper towel dispensers are likely to switch to them now, and elevators and door security systems that use touch-less technology are in high demand. Automatic hand-washing stations will be strategically deployed in many offices as well.
3. Shared Spaces Are Fewer But Bigger in Size
For years, companies were shifting toward shared work areas to foster collaboration, but during the pandemic, their layouts posed a risk for viral transmission. As a result, companies are beginning to shift back to private offices for single individuals and semi-private offices for work team bubbles. When shared spaces are still in place, you can expect them to be larger to allow for greater social distancing.
4. New Materials
COVID-19 may put an end to office carpeting for good. More companies will be looking for hard floorings that are easier to sanitize. Manufacturers are also introducing new materials for desks, flooring cubicles and other furnishings that are nonporous and infused with antimicrobial materials. Many businesses are likely to invest in them to further simplify cleaning.
5. No Thermostats
Companies are demanding better air filtration and purification systems in office buildings. Smart heating, cooling and air quality systems can satisfy tenants by allowing for more precise control over temperatures and providing real-time data about air quality conditions. Because these systems are usually controlled via mobile devices, thermostat boxes may one day become a thing of the past.
6. Functional Windows and Fans
CDC reopening guidelines for businesses stress the importance of ventilation and recommend introducing fresh air to spaces as much as possible. As a result, more companies want functional windows that can be opened and closed, even in multi-story office buildings. Commercial-grade ceiling and wall fans may also be used to help outdoor air better circulate throughout offices.
When businesses first reopened, paper signs for directing one-way traffic and ensuring social distancing popped up in many offices. Now that it seems we’ll need to continue social distancing, you can expect companies to find more attractive, permanent solutions for communicating these messages. Not only will signs be located on walls, but you also may see decorative arrows or “stand here” dots on floors.
