As more companies develop plans for a full return to the office space, discussions arise about how to make the transition safe and successful for employees. What should companies consider? The following five points provide considerations in creating office plans.

Identify Resources to be Protected. Establishing a return-to-office team can facilitate the reassignment of employees who are “essential” to the business in the aftermath of a remote work environment. This helps the company determine who needs to be in the office versus who can continue some at-home work.

Assess the Workplace. With a workplace survey, companies can understand how well employees can complete their jobs in a remote setting. The results can decide the appropriate combination of remote and in-office hours for employees.

Enforce Safety Protocols. Companies can make the office safe for employees by doing the following:

• Staggering times/days
• Using Infrared Fever Scan Systems (IFSS)
• Including no-touch option for doors, badge readers, and recycle bins
• Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Use Advanced Systems to Handle the Office Return. New technology can improve the transition back to the office by regulating new visitors, touch-less access control, and body temperature detection.

Encourage Transparency. With a people-first approach, companies should ensure that employees feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences during these difficult times.

The new atmosphere of an office space calls for an emphasis on employee wellbeing through several measures. Refer to our source information here.