Workspace is the flag bearer of the brand identity and values of the business. But, the Covid-19 wave has disrupted the workplaces in a way that returning to the older offices seems impossible. Previously, all the design firms and industry experts opted for open offices and team-based workspace.
Though the “open plan” design is considered a better way to collaborate, it has significantly increased stress levels. Constant noise due to the co-worker’s conversions and lack of privacy has added to the discomfort while working. But Covid-19 and WFH have changed the way people work.
Today people work in the comfort of their homes. On the one hand, there has been a change in the behavioral aspects of the employees. And on the other, fear of transmission of the Corona Virus has made us question our choices.
Whether the workplaces as we know them now a thing of the past? Are commercial office spaces no longer relevant? Is WFH a permanent deal?
To some extent, WFH might work, but it is not possible for every industry. And there, a transformational approach is necessary to reinvent the offices. Just adjusting the existing footprints cannot solve the crisis. Companies need to take a fresh approach to understand how much and where space is required.
Today interior fit-out companies and employers need to resolve the issue by going the extra mile. A solution not only for the present crisis but the future threats also. They need to develop office areas close to nature. Something that could save employees from the next dangerous flu or health hazard.
Killing germs will solve only a single piece of the puzzle. In the long run, a holistic approach to support the human immune system is beneficial. Proper ventilation, natural light, live walls will bring humans and nature closer.
Employers realize that it’s not enough just to provide a comfortable workplace. They need to make sure their employees have the best possible environment for work. They need to make investments in healthier spaces motivating employees to visit the office and promote productivity.
Only professionals with experience in designing offices will create these kinds of environments for employers when looking at how each space will optimally function both individually and within its larger organizational context.
Reconsidering the approach to de-Densification and design modification can help to improve the situation. Some of the top interior fit-out contractors in Dubai have come up with innovative solutions for the same.
De-Densification
Density is the number of people within the given space. Today, we need to stop and ponder over de-densification. Strategies that include practicing social distancing are essential. Shifting the desks apart, adding barriers to make sure people don’t face each other is necessary.
A new approach insists on using living walls as separators. Also, instead of using traditional concrete, one can opt for cross-laminated timber for separation.
Design
The second important aspect to consider is re-design. Everything from ventilation to lighting to even pantries relies on design. The design, geometry of the workspace will make a considerable change. Some of the widespread changes to adopt are:
Better and proper ventilation
Some of the best interior companies in UAE believe proper ventilation can prevent the spread of germs to a greater extent. There is a high need to increase outdoor ventilation while making sure it doesn’t accelerate energy consumption.
Workplaces can also use mechanical heat exchange systems to allow outside air to be cooled or warmed as required as it enters the building.
Offices can also install airflow systems to filter the internal air. Such systems prevent employees from inhaling the exhaled air from other people present in the same area. They can also install an electronic air cleaner to remove harmful particulates in the air stream. A professional interior designer can install such technologies in a holistic approach concerning design and utility.
Reducing contact at Common Points
Some common points like switchboards, doors, elevators have a high potential of spreading infections. The offices can have “touchless switches” that open doors simply by waving at a sensor rather than pushing a button.
Even doorless bathroom entry systems, similar to those seen at the entrances of the public bathrooms in airports and stadiums, could be set up. Offices can also install facial recognition to open automatic doors for employees. To further reduce physical contact, elevators and AV systems operated by smartphones can be placed.
Update the existing Furniture
Some of the best interior fit-out companies in UAE suggest using Lightweight and flexible Furniture, which is not only easily movable but easy to sanitize. The traditional Furniture with softer furnishings and crafted finishes may prove very comfortable but are not from the safety point of view.
These spaces must be adapted and created to make sure that the employees using them feel safe. Microfiber couches and chairs should be used as they are easier for cleaning up spills.
Upgrading the Sterilization Game
Some of the top interior fit-out contractors in Dubai suggest using a UV light for sterilization. It disinfects the offices from all possible infections. But these rays are not so human-friendly. But, a newly developed new light technology called far-UVC by scientists can be used. It kills viruses and bacteria without producing many harmful rays.
Decentralizing Pantries
The usual spot where the virus can spread is pantries. Office kitchens need to incorporate innovative solutions. The traditional system with one communal refrigerator or dishwasher is the cesspool for bacteria and viruses. Instead, one can install numerous refrigerator and dishwasher drawers. These will be designated for the different departments and prevent infections.
High-Tech Conference rooms
The best interior consultant in Dubai suggests that the conference rooms also need alteration. They are the place where people gather in large numbers. They offer few people working in a smaller meeting room (while maintaining the social distance) can communicate with those working from home. They need to up their office AV game for better returns.
The task of changing your workspace is dreadful. While making all the changes, one needs to make sure that the designing of the post-COVID workspaces is not over-engineered. Who has the time for that? Not you, right? Your work schedule leaves little to no room in between meetings and conference calls.
That’s where LetFind comes into play: we help connect clients with the most affordable interior companies in UAE so they can get a professional designer on board within their budget.
We only connect our customers to the best interior consultants in Dubai and UAE because quality matters more than price when renovating an office building space.
We understand that the workspace design depicts the work culture of the organization. The workplace design is a company’s chance to communicate its identity and values. A sound strategy for designing your space could help you forge stronger relationships with both employees, who will be more loyal to their workplace, as well as customers or clients looking to work with you in the future.
So, connect with us to reach out to the Top interior fit-out contractors in Dubai and give your business and employees a safer environment to grow.
