During the pandemic, many companies have switched their employees to home working. But as we start to adjust to a new way of living, businesses in San Diego are looking for ways to bring everyone back to the office.
It’s fair to assume that the workplace will look very different after Covid-19, and for now it’s impossible to say what this will actually involve. If you’re starting to plan for the future, here are some tips on how to safely prepare your office for reopening.
Invest in a Good Quality HVAC System
One of the biggest challenges to indoor working is the prevalence of airborne virus particles. The most effective way to reduce transmission rates (along with personal safety procedures) is to invest in a quality HVAC system.
You’ll want to choose a system that has as many air changes per hour as possible. Rather than installing an entirely new system, it’s possible to update your existing HVAC unit. If it’s more than 10 years old, you’ll definitely want to consider a new one.
Think About Your Office Space
Open-plan offices were all the rage before the pandemic, but will this still be the case in the future? While open spaces mean more air, it also means a greater area over which airborne particles can transmit. One way to manage this is with an office remodel.
At the same time, you might want to consider downsizing your office or changing its layout so that fewer people are grouped together. It’s not particularly difficult or expensive to install partition walls, and dividing your office up into smaller segments will help lower transmission rates.
Make Sure You Consider Official Guidance
The CDC has been working hard this past year to come up with official guidance on office working, and for businesses in general. You can find details on the CDC website about checks and inspections for ensuring safe working in the office.
You should refer to these at every stage during your reopening planning. Decisions over what work you do should keep these guidelines in mind, as they use the latest Covid-19 data as their basis.
Consider a Hybrid Model
It’s no secret that home working is a popular option. After all, who hasn’t appreciated giving up their commute? While you might be eager to get everyone back to work, your employees might not share this view.
One of the best ways to manage office space in the future will be through a hybrid working model. If you rotate your employees on a 2-days-in/2-days-out basis, it’ll be much easier to control space allocation.
Conclusion
It’s fair to say that office working will never be the same again. While none of us know when this will be over, it’s about now that we should begin thinking about how we plan to change.
If you’re thinking about adjusting your office space for reopening, contact AH Construction for advice. We’re San Diego’s top commercial contractor, and we’re able to guide you through making Covid-safe adjustments to your workspace.
