Most companies and corporations are slowly preparing to re-enter their offices. A gradual thawing of the economy means companies are starting to think about the best solution to safely bring their employees back to the office. Some employers in the first phase of returning to the office will accept only a small percentage of employees (it is estimated that it will be about 15-20%), while others will reorganize their work by introducing a shift system. JLL experts have prepared a comprehensive proposal that makes it easier for employers and their employees to return to the office safely and quickly.
As there is no vaccine or medicine available to counter COVID-19, the overarching goal is to reduce the risks associated with the spread of the coronavirus in the workplace and ensure a safe working environment by utilizing established pandemic recommendations. This entails the implementation of new office rules and the initiation of new habits among employees. It will be important to expand space and use technology and installations.
The re-entry plan should be based on four main elements:
- Analysis of pre-return office conditions
What have we got and how can we use it? To properly verify whether the space in the office is ready to receive employees, one must ‘walk the floor’ in order to conduct an audit of inventory and technical parameters. It will also be necessary to update the space arrangement plans, and to judge the employees' moods. A survey of readiness to return to the office will determine the number of people who are ready to return to work without imposing top-down guidelines.
We will then be able to prepare a program for returning to the office based on current data, and we will appoint groups of employees whose highest priority is to return to the office.
- Action plan
The second key step is to prepare a safe return to the office program, which includes:
- "A day in the life of an employee" - from leaving for work to returning home with the identification of potential risks
- A set of new rules related to office use
- Illustrating the principles of social distance on layout plans
- Architectural and technical recommendations regarding space and installations
- Development of a "Guide for employees" (guidelines for returning to the office)
The purpose of developing the "Guide for employees" is to create a set of guidelines and principles on how to safely return and work in the office in ’the new normal’. This document will be used as a basis for the proper preparation of the office in terms of arrangement and signage. In addition, there will be guidelines aimed at shaping and nurturing safe behavior.
- Preparation of the strategy
A properly prepared strategy should be based primarily on clear communication with employees, educate to avoid the spread of the pandemic and to instruct employees on how to deal with similar situations in the future. All future phases of returning to the office should be accurately described, while the office itself should have signs indicating social distancing parameters. It is also worth preparing a welcome pack consisting of disinfectants, masks, and disposable containers.
The strategy stage includes:
- A plan to return to the office in phases (restrictive policies, fewer restrictions, return to normality)
- A communication and education plan
- Creating and distributing a ‘welcome back’ package
- The estimate of implementation costs
In addition, we can customize the concept of office signage, so that it is consistent with the overall communication of the company and suitably adapted to the space involved.
The strategy of implementing the return to the office program should be in line with technical requirements and effective communication with employees. A well-developed plan means not only greater employee safety but also an increase in their comfort and trust in their employer.
- Implementation and maintenance
After employees return to the office, we should focus on consistent strategy implementation, clear and consistent communication, conducting educational activities, and ongoing support for people in the new reality. Communication, education, and appropriate office signage will allow everyone to get back to work more easily and safely. Informed employees will feel more secure and will know how to behave properly in each of the office’s zones.
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Please contact JLL experts who will prepare a detailed analysis, action plan, and strategy for your employees’ return to the office. We are also able to implement any changes and maintain them in the long term.
