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The future of office design in a post-Covid-19 UK

May, 2020

Post Covid-19 Office Design Ideas

 
COVID-19 will undoubtedly have a long-term impact. Even if we manage to successfully irradicate the virus around the globe, a post-COVID-19 world will still be defined by the pandemic and structural and practical changes will need to be made. Below, we explore the possible future for office design in a post-COVID-19 world. We would be interested to know what you think.

1. Function first

For both modern and traditional offices, function will be of primary importance. Furniture may include minimal crevices, to ensure it can be easily cleaned. Other everyday items like break areas and cabinets may also need to be re-designed to ensure they meet the new standards of cleanliness workers now expect to see. For example, tables and desks may need to have non-porous surfaces to ensure they do not collect dust or bacteria.

2. Materials matter

In a post-COVID-19 world, offices will need to be re-designed with materials that are easier to keep clean and sanitised. For example, laminate surfaces and vinyl flooring may be considered easier to keep clean than other commercial flooring options. Smooth, flat surfaces could become the norm in offices, and workplaces may be more vigilant about creating regular cleaning routines.

3. Independent spaces

Office managers may no longer want their offices to be designed for hot-desking. They will perhaps favour independent work stations that employees can keep clean and sanitised. Duraflor has a range of sanitisation products designed to meet an office sanitisation regime. The majority of collaborative work may now be completed through technology, e.g. conference calls, so office designers may need to consider how they might accommodate an increase in technology in an office. Many employees will have also grown accustomed to working from home and may opt to work from home more often.

4. Sanitation stations

While many traditional office designs currently limit sink areas to bathrooms and kitchens, office designs in a post-COVID-19 world may include multiple sinks in the main office space. This will allow employees to stay on top of their hygiene and not have to frequently leave the main office area to wash their hands.

Getting your views 

We have been asking our customers their views, if you would like to take part in our survey on how offices might change post cover-19, do so here – there is a small thank you involved.

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