The pandemic has impacted
the way we use public spaces and workspaces in the long term. The
fear of another outbreak or a new virus spreading made the public
more cautious and concerned about their safety especially about going
back to work. This poses new challenges for interior designers,
developers, and building managers. Here are some post-pandemic design
ideas that can help your business ensure health and safety in the
workplace:

Adapting Hospital
Elements into the Office

People are more aware of
the presence of viruses and diseases in the workplace due to the
pandemic. Design experts are now foreseeing that some elements in
hospital facilities will be integrated in the workplace. This means
that sinks and hygiene stations may be more present other than
restrooms to make disinfection more accessible in the workplace.

Materials that can
withstand heavy cleaning are now recommended by experts.
Solution-dyed carpets with moisture-barrier backing are a great
alternative since it can withstand heavy shampooing.

Air filtration with UV
lighting is being eyed by experts as the next trend. Heavy UV
cleaning after office hours can dramatically improve air quality in
the office.

Rethink Meetings and
Meeting Spaces

Big gatherings won’t be
a common sight after the pandemic. For the short term, virtual
attendance for people who don’t necessarily need to be physically
present in a meeting is a good alternative. For the long term,
consider expanding and redesigning floor plans for meeting spaces
and/or integrate virtual meetings with physical office meetings.

Adding More Outdoor
Spaces

Installing outdoor
terraces and roof decks can give a seamless indoor-outdoor connection
to workers. These outdoor spaces, especially in a post-pandemic
office, can provide work areas with fresh air and enforce social
distancing effectively.

Improve Privacy
without Sacrificing Collaboration

Post-pandemic,
open office designs might not work due to enforcement of social
distancing. Cubicles are still a good fit in providing individual
space but there are ways to make employees feel that their privacy is
secured without making them feel being boxed in. Look into
workstation designs that can effectively improve employee privacy.
Privacy screens are a good alternative if you’re on a tight budget.

Consider Adapting
‘Contactless Office’

Investing in smart office
solutions like automated doors and windows can eliminate the need for
communal buttons which can become a breeding place for viruses and
diseases. Look into voice-activated technologies that control
lighting, audio, and visual equipment in conference rooms.

Source: Arenson
Office Furniture