The coronavirus pandemic has gripped the world, shutting down economies and throttling hospitals. While many essential workers have been forced to keep working throughout the pandemic, many white-collar settings have shifted to remote work models. Such models have helped slow the spread and protect employees, but they should only be seen as temporary fixes. As more companies look to get employees back in the office, the conversation must shift to mitigation efforts.
These mitigation efforts should be designed to allow people to safely return to communal workspaces. These strategies will require some thought and investment, but companies that successfully implement upgrades will manage the migration back to office life more successfully than others. Technology should be a critical part of making this happen. Here are five technology tools you can consider to get your workplace running safely during the pandemic.
Rethinking the bathroom
The bathroom has always been kind of a taboo area. It is an absolutely essential part of any workplace, and it is a shared area that everyone will use at some point during the day. However, no one likes to spend much time talking or thinking about the bathroom. In order to mitigate the risks of the pandemic, the bathroom can be a great place to start.
In many businesses, bathrooms are small, enclosed spaces that are designed to house multiple people at once. Multiple-occupancy bathrooms are exceedingly common, and they allow bathroom space to be consolidated effectively. One solution is floor-to-ceiling “cubicle” stalls, which are safer and provide more privacy. If there are funds and space available, single-stall, unisex restrooms are an option.
Hygiene is always an issue in these spaces, and this is a more pronounced truth during the pandemic. The key with upgrades is to focus on touch-free options and disinfecting methods. Some simple examples include hands-free faucets, automatic paper towel dispensers, motion-activated soap dispensers and touch-free toilets. The faucets from American Standard are a good example. They are designed for commercial usage, and their built-in sensors know when to turn the water flow on and off for users. Shared surfaces in bathrooms are especially problematic, and these touchless options reduce illnesses on every front. These technological options have been growing in popularity anyway, but the pandemic has made them more practical investments.
Installing touchless locks
As new technologies streamline the workplace for coronavirus safety, it is important not to neglect other security concerns. As touchpoints are minimized, it is critical to still keep basic security measures in place. This is why touchless locks for workplace storage are such an essential tool to consider.
Office storage is vital for your employees. This space gives employees the ability to store their personal belongings safely and conveniently during the workday. Office storage can also be used for shared supplies or other tools. However, as employees take things in and out of these spaces, surface contamination quickly develops. This means that workplace storage can be a way to spread germs like the coronavirus. Therefore, investing in technology to reduce these touchpoints while still maintaining security is vital.
To achieve both of these objectives, a digital locker lock is advisable. Digital locks have been gaining traction in recent years since they reduce hassle and create more efficient usage with less opportunity for germ transfer. For companies, there are other advantages as well. There is no longer a need to invest in touch keys, key cards or coded systems and management of the lockers can be done through software.
One example of this technology comes from Ojmar. Ojmar has been a leader in the industry, and its newest product is the OCS®SMART lock. With touchless features that work via Bluetooth, this technology is easy to install without cables or complicated software. The most impressive advancement for this lock is that it is accessible through a phone or tablet. No other product on the market shares similar sophisticated functionality. Additionally, the lock features a smooth, easy-clean touchpad as a second means of operation for cases when you wish to store your smartphone or tablet inside. By contrast, most keypad locks on the market feature mechanical buttons or dials with hard-to-clean crevices and ridges, which can harbor dirt and bacteria. The OCS®SMART makes our list of top innovations for its hygienic features, versatility of operation, easy management through user-friendly smart Apps, and simple, cable-free installation. In essence, this kind of upgrade makes your workplace more enjoyable and far safer throughout the pandemic and beyond.
Reimagining the breakroom
The breakroom or cafeteria is another commonly used shared space in most office buildings. This is a gathering place that is used for relaxation or socialization. For employees, having access to this kind of space is important. Therefore, to keep these spaces safe, some accommodations must be made.
The first primary change should be capacity. Social distancing is a critical preventative measure. Therefore, a space that used to seat 400 should only be housing 100 now. Likewise, a breakroom designed for an occupancy of 30 might only host 10 now. These seating and occupancy restrictions must be explicitly noted and enforced. However, it is easy to encourage such limits by setting up spaces with less seating. Seats and tables should be removed as necessary to naturally reduce occupancy rates.
Technology can also be used to streamline the dining process. If there is a full-service cafeteria on-site, efforts should be made to reduce contact points. There should be a to-go bar. Preordering should be emphasized. Packaged food orders should be used. This will limit the number of people waiting in line, and it can help keep groups from congregating. Plus, employees will probably enjoy reduced wait time to get their meals. One of the best examples of this technology comes from Interior Architects. Its Quanta system offers the innovative digital capacity to streamline dining options at the workplace.
Investing in ventilation
One of the primary modes of transmission of the coronavirus is through the air. This means that air quality and ventilation have never been more important. In particular, evidence suggests that humidity levels can play a significant role. Increasing humidity levels can clear the air more effectively, but humidification must be paired with overall ventilation in order to prevent damage to the walls and ceilings. This means that companies should invest in added insulation and exterior heat in addition to humidifying elements like the Ideal-Air Commercial Grade Humidifier. This humidifier has a wide range, and it can connect directly to your water supply for an output of 75 pints per day.
To address the other aspects of air quality, companies should have their airflow assessed. Fresh, clean air should be circulated in from the outside consistently. Fresh air can dilute any contamination. There are also filtration systems that can be employed. A good air filtration system can eliminate most hazardous small particles. For the best results, HEPA systems should be preferred due to the way they target small particles like those created by the coronavirus.
Other, smaller measures can be taken. Partitions can be added between workers, and small fans or filters can be implemented at each desk to disperse particles. Moreover, employees should be encouraged to wear masks at all times in order to curb the spread and control air quality.
Transforming your office culture
Companies need to continue investing in scheduling software that gives employees the ability to plan out their weeks accordingly. Moreover, integrated digital technology will help employees continue to interact from home or in the office. One good example of this type of software is Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams centralizes all digital office activity with options of scheduling, messaging, meetings and more.
The implementation of new technology is critical, but the change must happen at a personal level as well. Employees must be trained to think in new ways about their work environment. If lifestyle changes do not accompany technological upgrades, then the mitigation efforts will be stymied.
One of the advantages of the workplace is that spontaneous conversations occur and interpersonal relationships develop. This can engender more dynamic problem-solving while building team connections. Some of this dynamic nature has suffered in the remote work environment. It should be encouraged as people return to work, but safety measures should be put in place. Start by implementing sanitation measures. When people come into the office, make sure that they all sanitize their hands and phone. Some offices have taken things further and even have employees change shoes when they arrive to minimize the intake of outside germs.
Shared spaces should be set up with distancing in mind, and outdoor gathering places should be enhanced when viable. If space is still an issue, some companies are creating hybrid work models. In this model, employees would rotate into the office and work other days from home. Employees can enjoy the streamlined experience of working from home without sacrificing the importance of in-person productivity. A hybrid model allows companies to come back online sooner because it controls the number of people in the office on any given day.
The bottom line
Getting employees back into the office is a huge step during the pandemic. While most people are eager to get back, safety concerns are warranted. As companies prepare for a transition back to normal, it is important to remember the ways technology can help. By investing in the best technologies, it is possible to create a safe, productive and welcoming workplace once more. Consider the needs of your workforce and the limitations your office space faces. Then, you can pick the best technologies to help your employees get back to work.