As the world clocked into 2020 with usual cheer and celebrations, no one had imagined that a massive change is knocking at our doors. The world was expected to take a regular trajectory, but future had its own plans. Novel Coronavirus, which later got christened to Covid19, had already made its appearance in a bustling city of Wuhan in China. Month of January appeared to have taken a predicted path largely, however some parts of the world started to realize that the Virus is posing new questions every day to doctors, scientists and researchers. By the end of Feb, worst nightmare seemed inevitable as the virus had already altered the future path of the World.
As we entered May 2020, the current situation has posed biggest ever dilemma to the workplace strategists - What is going to happen to the reinvention of workspace trends which morphed in the last 15 years. After all, in many years, the world witnessed new ways of collaborative working which started to yield positive results and acquired global acceptance across diverse industries. We take a deep dive into an unknown ocean to look for answers for the future of workspace and firm up the strategy to take up the new challenges.
Rather than reacting to the situation, we are opting to respond to the situation by suggesting a SIMPLE approach, which could be the beginning of new journey in workplace design exploration. We are calling this a transitional strategy – leaving two windows open. First likelihood is that it can transit into a completely new way of working, a Post Covid 19 Workplace era. This probably is reimagining the workspaces, with reduced percentage of workforce while a substantial percentage Works from Home. The second possibility is that the suggested strategy would be applicable for next 1-2 years & post that we hope to come back close to usual way of working, of course with some definitive alterations. One thing very certain is that the World will change how it works for next 18 to 24 months. Let’s begin with defining the SIMPLE strategy.
Social Distancing - For now, this is the most effective way to keep the virus at bay. Minimum of 6’ of social distancing at workplace is going to be the norm. The existing offices will have to make changes in order to make their workplace compatible with the global parameters of social distancing. Minimum desk size would be 1800 mm with a 900mm gap to the adjacent workstation. In some cases, workstations could be staggered to achieve social distancing. All the main circulation aisles will have a minimum width of 1800 mm.
Indoor Air – Healthy indoor air is going to be a pre requisite in the new order. There will be focus on bringing right landscape in built spaces. Plants can help make the air healthy, while create screens for various working zones. Biophilia will play an important role in ensuring clean air for indoors. Second important aspect is to maintain right temperature & humidity with optimum mix of indoor & outdoor air. About a week ago, Indian Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioner Engineers (ISHRAE) issued guidelines to be followed during Covid 19 times. As per the guidelines, it is ideal to operate the air-conditioner between 24-30 degree centigrade at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. The humidity levels must be maintained between 40-70% and rooms must be well-ventilated. The guidelines were formed after examining and analyzing information pertaining to the climatic regions of the Indian Subcontinent.
Meetings going virtual – Physical meetings are passé, until the time world gets vaccinated. With travel restriction in place, the most popular mode to meet people is on Microsoft teams, Skype, Zoom and other web tools. The workplaces will have to make enough space provisions for people to conduct virtual meetings. So, what happens to the existing meeting rooms? Simple solution is to reduce the number of chairs by 50% so that the space can still be used for virtual meetings. Introduction of flexible screens of 450 mm to 600 mm height on table tops can create umbrella containment zones which can double up as work desks. We can achieve flexibility by being adaptive to the situation.
Partitions – We will witness re-emergence of partitions in workplaces. Partitions can ensure contained safe zones for employees. For two people sitting opposite to each other, a partition panel of 450mm - 600mm height will ensure social distancing is followed. Given the current situation, it will also make employees more comfortable while they start to work out of their offices, post long lockdowns and quarantines. The partitions have to be designed in a way that they can be altered & adaptive to the social environment and future needs.
Life & Hygiene – “One who maintains cleanliness keeps away diseases”, the text from ancient Indian literature aptly defines the basics of hygiene. In the new order, our lives will revolve around hygiene to keep us fit & healthy. For workplaces, hygiene is as much the responsibility of individuals, as that of the organizations. Hand sanitizers will become ubiquitous, moving out of hand wash areas & making their presence in every corner of the office. Hand washing facilities will increase in washrooms & cafeterias. The facility management teams will have to ensure offices are sanitized every weekend. Choice of finishes and material will be based on how easy it is to clean and maintain it. Small health facility at every workplace could be a norm soon.
Enhance Touch Free Environment – The future is touch free. All the doors in offices will go touch free with installation of sensors. The attendance would be through face detection and Artificial Intelligence, which also would have thermal sensors to record body temperature as one arrives at work. The lights will be sensor based and elevators equipped with voice control commands.
Let’s begin with the SIMPLE steps to make big change for the Future of Workspaces and humanity.
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