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FOCUS FEATURE 12 www.thefis.org RETURNING TO THE OFFICE, NOT A RETURN TO NORMAL FIS Technical Director Joe Cilia considers what returning to the workplace will mean, as we work to adapt to Government guidelines, and the needs of individuals. A structured return to work is underway, but with social distancing in place it will mean reduced occupation levels (likely to be down to 50-60% in some cases). Beyond reducing risk there is a job to be done in restoring confidence. As things start to settle, there will inevitably be a more considered review of how companies can optimise the value of space to provide the flexible hub that their workforce and business needs to thrive. The gradual return The government has produced guidance to support the initial return which we will see over the coming weeks, but where should the planning begin, and what useful and practical guidance is available? Supermarkets (and construction!) have set the standard with well-rehearsed examples of social distancing. Some of these measures may be adapted to work in office environments – for example, one-way systems, screens, floor markers set 2m apart, clear signage, antibacterial products, hygiene stations and wipe-down facilities made readily available when entering the premises. Ultimately, beyond planning ‘who and when’, hygiene is likely to be the biggest issue employers and office managers will have to consider initially. To help, the American Institute of Architects has developed a useful Risk Management Plan that uses an evidence-based design approach, documents design decisions, and functions as a repository for coordinated work with building owners. The plan starts with stakeholder engagement, establishing a multidisciplined team to instruct work, setting clear goals, taking the time to really understand how people will flow through the building, identifying hazards and common contact points (apparently the average person touches 140 things every day!) and the importance of measuring and testing the plan. We are starting to see a number of FIS members offering similar return to work support services and develop products that support the reconfiguration of space and help to reduce risk and install confidence. Inevitably as people return the longer-termplanning will begin in earnest When it comes to planning offices in the future, companies will be thinking hard about their real business needs, but it is once they return to the office and we really start to understand how long social distancing will last and how it has fundamentally changed people’s attitude to work and travel. Many businesses will at this stage need to balance the costs of reconfiguring their existing premises against relocating to alternative premises. Business owners may defer that decision until we have a clearer indication of when a vaccine may be found and how far attitudes have really shifted when the new normal starts to clarify. A key point made by several panel PeldonRose office, SterlingHouse. Photo by Stephen Bennett Photography.