The New Normal: How Your Work Space Can Adapt to Meet the Needs of COVID-19 Protocols

Interior, Public Space & Playground

May 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to change our daily routines. Starting from meticulous hygiene and social distancing, we are faced with changes to help minimise the spread of the virus.

An article by Bloomberg News studied on how Wuhan, one of the first city where the pandemic began, is recovering from the pandemic. Surely major cities across the world can also learn a thing or two on Wuhan is making its recovery. An interesting observation was made that even though Wuhan has lifted off its lockdown, not all employees are immediately returning to work.

Room layout adaptation and enhancement of technology in workspace areas is one of the ways where work space can be made more safe in the presence of the virus.

Disinfectant room before entering the workspace

Before entering the workspace, many industrial plants are building a disinfectant room. A vapour disinfectant is preferred than a wet spray disinfectant because it does not leave wet residue. Post pandemic this room can be reused as a waiting room.

Thermal / Motion Sensor & Holographic Lift Button

The use of sensor in lifts help to minimise touching surfaces where virus may be present. Thermal/motion sensor can be used in buttons where people have to touch like doors, lifts, and several toilet spaces such as to flush toilets, faucets, soap dispenser, tissue dispenser and trash cans. Holographic technology is also an alternative method so buttons need not to be pressed. Such technology has already been implemented intensively in China following up to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thermal Camera & Digital Signage

Out thermal camera is a very handy, user friendly and multi functional product that allows users to browse through the digital screen, get the information they need whilst at the same time be checked for temperature. The functionality options for the digital screen is endless and can be multi purposed for commercial as well as work space use.

Partition and more space

In this millennial era many office spaces have adopted the open working space. This has certainly its benefits but given the current pandemic situation this may be proven to be harmful if certain measures are not put in place. Given the regulation on social distancing, a zigzag configuration on seating occupancy is the recommended layout. However to maximise occupancy, a partition is also an alternative method to allow employees to remain in its normal seating arrangements. Study has shown that raising the partition from 120cm to 140cm makes a difference in preventing droplets to spread adjacently and instead pushes it upwards toward the ventilation system.

Upgrade technology for communication

In this day and age companies have access to a large option for non face-to-face communications. Teleconferencing has become the new normal even when employees have reverted back to its office work stations. As the technology will continue to advance, this will soon be proven to be a seamless transition to the face-to-face that we are accustomed to. It is only natural that employees are equipped with laptops or desktops with built-in camera.

Routine schedule for disinfectant treatment

For further precaution, regular disinfectant treatment should be scheduled to permanently kill the virus that is lingering in these waiting areas. PT Strategic Pest Control recommends a routine treatment 2x a week. Their vast experience as an integrated facility management is proven in many renowned buildings, industrial and commercial facilities.

Taking care of the health of your workforce

It has now become a priority for companies to closely monitor access to their workspace. Stay up to date with your local regulations to better understand on any governmental compliances imposed to your workspace. When in doubt and when employees show high degrees of persistent fever it is advisable for employees to remain at home and follow the quarantine procedures set.

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