11/03/2021
Office design in the age of COVID: The desk
COVID-19 has meant seismic changes for modern offices. Zoom, flexible hours, time-shifting and work from home have had a huge effect on the way most companies function. But as vaccines roll out around the world and the “new normal” looms on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about how office life – and design – will change.
In this series, we’re going to take a look at some of philosophical, practical and design changes companies can deploy as more and more workers return to work in a world continuing to grapple with the pandemic.
First up, the basic building block of the office: the workstation.
Physical distancing at work
Some companies have already redesigned their spaces – or timeshifted their staff – to ensure there’s six feet of space between workers at their desks. In this, they’ve been helped by technological progress: fax machines are no longer an office mainstay, wireless printing is everywhere and computer equipment has shrunk. Rather than increasing density, that space can now be used to spread workers out.
The end of hot desking?
Given increased concerns about hygiene, firms may opt for designated individual workstations and personal computers, rather than shared “hot” desks or communal tables. Alternatively, they may need to invest more in office cleaning.
Physical solutions
There are also a number of inexpensive, easy-to-install office features available to cut down on transmission risk. Plexiglass screens can be installed between workstations or in settings where workers need to speak face-to-face, or directly with customers. Recyclable or washable placemats can make shared settings more sanitary. The solutions, as always, will depend on the business.
