After months of remote work, your business is finally returning to the office. However, your office space may need to be redesigned to allow for social distancing. You may be at a loss for where to start, what to change, and which products to purchase. Here are four steps to take to adjust to this new way of co-existing during a pandemic. 

1. Precautions and Extra Cleaning Measures 

Above all else, it is important that employees are prioritizing their health and safety. Before returning to the office daily, employees need to make sure they are healthy. In addition to self-evaluations, employers can provide a temperature check for all employees as well as any visitors who enter the building. Ensure your office has easy-to-use supplies readily available including hand sanitizer and disinfectant to encourage your employees to routinely clean their work areas.  

2. Directional Signage

Frequently used at retail locations, healthcare providers, and other businesses in your area, stickers and floor signs are an effective way to ensure your employees are social distancing properly. Whether you choose to implement freestanding signs, floor stickers, or even a homemade sign, these signs can be placed in any high-traffic walkways or waiting areas to communicate distance guidelines. 

 3. Protection Panels and Dividers 

Depending on the size and layout of your building, it may be difficult to distance desks six feet apart, and even that can’t ensure that germs won’t spread. Adding shields between desks is one way to add additional protection and restructure small office spaces. Shields made of laminate, acrylic, or plexiglass are best for easy cleaning and sanitation. You can even add tall divider screens between employees or throughout the office to create individual work areas. There are a variety of divider styles and sizes from which to choose, to keep your office space safe while looking good. Together, plexiglass shields and room dividers are a great combination to protect your employees’ health.  

4. Easy-to-Clean Furniture 

While some furniture pieces and fabrics are a breeze to clean and disinfect, others are more challenging. In fact, areas that can be easily cleaned still leave behind germs. For example, if your common area is furnished with fabric-covered seats, you might consider replacing them with mesh-back chairs. Compared to fabric-covered seats, mesh-back chairs with leather-like cushions can be easily cleaned with disinfectant spray or wipes without compromising the quality of the fabric. 

When it comes to designing a socially distant office, there are many ways to keep your office clean including signage, plexiglass shields, room dividers, and easy-to-clean furniture. Now more than ever, OfficeWorks is here to help you as you transition to working in the office again. Whether you’re in need of a total redesign or our expert advice, we have what you need to make it happen. See a product your office needs? Not sure how to transform your office to a socially distant space? Send us a message, and we’d be happy to help!