How COVID-19 Will Change The Future of Office Design

Throughout the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen changes in our society we’ve never seen before. People avoid each other on the streets, working from home is becoming a new normal, and an insane rush to buy toilet paper all because of the COVID-19 pandemic. How will office design change?

Throughout history, and even in the last couple of decades, there have been enormous changes to interior design for homes, offices, and stores.

Working from home has become a new normal. Those who can work from home through technology have been for the past few weeks. Schools have switched online as well. Will this stay as normal? Or will we eventually return to our offices?

Because of the COVID-19, we predict a shift in office design. It was already a push to make the workplace a better environment for employees, but this pandemic may encourage more change in the office.

Air Quality

Air pollution has decreased substantially since the Covid-19 outbreak. Because more employees are working from home, there’s been less traffic pollution. Industrial pollution has plummeted in China and Italy due to factories shutting down. In an office, it’s important to make sure that the air quality is high. Employees working an average of 40 hours a week can develop headaches, respiratory problems, coughing or fevers from the poor air quality. We predict this will

There are a couple of simple things you can do to improve your air quality in the office. Move furniture, boxes and other items out of the way of your air vents. Keeping air vents open and unblocked will circulate the air trying to come in. Inspect and clean air ducts, keep the office clean of garbage and dust, and add office plants. Improving your office air will help get rid of bacteria growing in your office.

Materials Used in Office

Many people come through your office. Antimicrobial materials in your office can stop the growth of microorganisms. Integrating those antimicrobial technologies into your workspace can make your office easier to clean. Use fabrics that are easy to clean in your lobby and other high touch areas.

Limiting Skin to Skin Contact

Health officials recommend refraining from direct forms of contact, including shaking hands during this time. It’s important to be washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer as well. There might be changes in how often handshaking is used in a business environment. Touch-free and sensor toilets and faucets in bathrooms might become even more popular than they are now.

Creating a healthier work environment is necessary for a good work environment. More employees now than ever before are working from home. Will this continue, even once the pandemic is over? What changes have you already seen in your office?