Re-acclimatising to the office environment and 9-5 routine can be challenging after a few months away. It’s not just about getting used to a new layout and desk setup either; even something as simple as the commute can become a disorientating experience.
In fact, research by Bupa reveals that 65% of British workers feel anxious about their return to the office; for 42% of respondents, social distancing is a primary concern. Other concerns include commuting (38%) and worries around cleanliness (37%).
We hope the tips below and the measures we have taken ensure everyone feels safer about returning to their workplace.
Due to social distancing, some of your employees may not be able to return to the office at the same time. Some may also be nervous or have to juggle work with other responsibilities, so keep this in mind when planning a phased return for individuals.
Your team will be looking to you to provide clarity. Communicate the measures and expectations you’ve put in place to your team and keep them in the loop whenever there’s a change. Conduct new workstation assessments and talk to employees about their concerns.
Follow the government Covid-19 guidance in the workplace and make sure your team understands how to navigate the building in a safe way. Using virtual platforms for communication such as Skype, Zoom, Slack, Asana etc may be appropriate.
Watch our Instagram video to find out how we’ve adapted our centres.
We’re living in a time of uncertainty, however that doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions. Voice any concerns you have around returning to the workplace and ask for clarification when it comes to flexible working—can you work from home on an ad hoc basis?
Nothing beats face-to-face, but now’s the time to leverage technology for meetings. Use professional networking platforms to stay in touch with colleagues who are not based locally or are working remotely.
Once you’re back into the swing of things it’s easy to forget things like sanitising your hands every time you enter and leave the building. Make a conscious attempt to follow the guidelines your workspace has put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.
When transitioning back to the office, you might be expecting a return to the familiar. However, the “autopilot” part of our brain will be short-circuited by the new, unfamiliar reality of social distancing in the office and masks to get your lunch. It’ll take time, but we’ll get there.
Camaraderie is more important than ever for morale-boosting. Find inventive ways of giving your coworkers a hug or high five to celebrate achievements. If someone in your team forgets to follow protocol, try not to get frustrated with them and find a way to laugh it off.
Although the prospect of a commute can be daunting at first, try to see the positive side. Use the time you spend driving to work to catch up on that podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to. Or if you’re travelling by public transport, get lost in a good book or album.
At Pure Offices, we are welcoming more of our customers back into the building every week. We’ve implemented a number of measures around our centres to promote safety in the workplace, including increased cleaning, hand sanitisers, floor stickers and posters to raise awareness of the guidelines.
Here is what one customer at Leeds Morley said about the steps we have taken to promote safety at the centre:-
“We moved into Pure Offices in February 2019 – we have had nothing but a pleasant experience! I must add as well, the response to COVID-19 has being incredible, every day each customer has been made to feel safe and cared for during this situation. There are excellent measures in place, such as hand sanitisers around every corner and especially on each corridor! Very helpful and all centre managers have made sure everyone is comfortable and safe at all times! Lovely place to work, in such an unforeseen situation”
