The Covid change culture is here
Despite our Prime Minister’s pleas, not every office has been ready to safely welcome its employees back to work. Staff, as well as visitors and clients, need to feel comfortable in their surroundings, so a reopening isn’t to be rushed. MPL looks at the five key changes that are happening across the UK’s workplaces – get in touch if you need an office refurb London.
We’re reconfiguring free space
Many UK offices have grown haphazardly over time and without the assistance of an office refurbishment company. Now, more than ever, the professional touch is needed. Ensuring each employee has enough social distance can be achieved by reworking the existing office layout. MPL has already advised a number of businesses on space plans for the new normal – with designs that allow for a fluctuating number of staff to be together at any one time and introduce one-way systems. Other hotspots that may need addressing include reception and waiting areas, cloakrooms and communal kitchens.
Our permanent changes don’t have to be alarmist
Our new Covid world can feel quite alarming but it doesn’t have to be. We were including many technology-based innovations into our office refurbishments pre-pandemic but these are now coming into their own. Touch-free motion sensor features – such as lights that automatically turn on when you enter a room, taps that don’t require any touch to operate and motion-controlled soap dispensers don’t scream virus control and will enhance the workplace.
Posters are a sign of the times
Wall and floor signage are now essential parts of any office renovation or refresh but they can be engineered to reflect your corporate identity. As well as reminding people about good hygiene and keeping their distance, signage is crucial for keeping a one-way system on track. Ask us about floor spots, pop up displays and wall-mounted posters.
We’re being diligent when it comes to desks
Business can take one of several approaches when it comes to desks. Many of the options are temporary and can, therefore, be reversed when conditions change. Blocking off desks with hazard tape, installing acrylic partitions and putting some desks into storage are all viable options. We can also help businesses reconfigure their current desk set up to move away from grouped and cluster desks to more socially-distanced forward-facing arrangements. A more permanent solution would be to replace old desks with compact, smaller models – potentially on wheels – that create more free space and promote flexibility.
We’re more free flowing with fresh air
One area of emphasis is the circulation of fresh air and we are increasingly being asked for advice about how best to ventilate workspaces. While air conditioning and comfort cooling still have a role to play, we can advise facilities managers on making workplaces safe when windows and doors are increasingly being left open.
If you’d like an office designer London to help adapt your workplace, please contact MPL Interiors today.
