Office Space in the Time of COVID-19
What was once the booming trend of open office space plans is now a thing of the past. Its gradual phase-out may have been inevitable, due to the still-ongoing debate of whether open-plan offices are really more effective for productivity or if it’s just a fad. When our Chandra Interiors team create office spaces, we look at function just as much as design, and with these new times, interior designers must reevaluate what we know about workplaces.
With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we see open offices potentially posing a major health risk. Though this type of office plan has been said to increase efficiency and foster office collaboration, it virtually gets rid of any privacy an office worker may have. As we all have seen during quarantine, privacy is an integral part of our life, not only for our mental health but also for our physical health. If social distancing has taught us anything, it’s that physical distance may actually save our lives.
What this means for office spaces
After lockdown, there could be a major resurgence in the usage of cubicles and dividers. This physical barrier between co-workers can prevent the passage of germs from one person to another. Many companies may opt for pushing through with a smaller workforce, but if this isn’t a viable option, offices can still enforce social distance protocols by creating private cubicles.
On the plus side, the COVID situation will definitely ensure that companies keep their sanitation levels very high. This means daily deep cleaning and the strict rule of wearing face masks at all times, but there are more things we can change in our space to adjust to the new normal.
Some of the things that may become the new normal will be mandatory sanitation stations, hands-free door openers, and things such as air purifiers or plants that can improve indoor air quality. One thing we can be certain of is that the safety and health of each and every employee has to be and will be a top priority for every company.
Chandra Interiors experts are always available to help you in your needs. Call us at +91-80-4095 3487
