What does the new normal look like in office spaces?
The reality will likely be that this will mean something different for each business, so there will be significant differences and unique requirements for each office design we create.
I have been reading about larger companies that are implementing social distancing measures within their office design, including innovations like creating circles to delineate personal space and integrating wearable technology to give a warning when you are too close. It’s great that there are businesses that have the space and funding to implement these measures to ensure their staff’s safety, but what about the rest of us? How can smaller organizations ensure our staff’s safety?
One thing I know for sure is that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution in this “new norm” and businesses are really going to have to consider and evaluate what will work best for them and their team.
Here are some ideas for all offices that won’t break the bank and promote a more creative work environment:
- Use tall planters and greenery to separate workstations, creating an attractive partition which also helps to filter the air, reduce noise levels, reduce stress, and increase productivity.
- Add shelving and storage solutions to divide up your space while also adding a practical organizational element.
- Create separation by using organic materials such as shipping pallets, rope, or branches.
- If you need to add more partitions to keep people apart, integrate lighting to keep the environment bright while providing a unique design element.
- Set up an art installation that becomes a visual focus within your space. For example, you could use large painted canvases between workstations instead of traditional dividers.
Our future focus will be to balance maintaining well-designed spaces that provide maximum safety while still optimizing efficiency and creativity for everyone. We don’t want to lose collaboration and excitement within the workspace — we just need to be inventive in how we achieve them.
Our team focuses on infusing your brand into your space, creating that unexpected element as well as making your space functional and safe. Connect with us to see how we can work with you to help design your space in the “new norm.”