The design of professional spaces has an undeniable link to our psychological and physical wellbeing and is paramount to our ability to be productive professionals. In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is perhaps more important now than ever before that we begin to recognise the power for positive change that the design of a space holds.
Our work culture is to a degree determined by our shared spaces and to ensure a productive psychological environment we need a conducive environment. We need to view the Covid-19 regulations as a chance to shift the design of our workspace to bring companies into the future with healthier and happier employees.
Thanks to remote platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams many businesses have been able to survive the lockdown period. However, many professionals will tell you that there is no substitute for the collaboration and energy of colleagues working together in an inspiring space.
Having a space that is built specifically to operationalise a company’s ethos and incorporate remote working is essential going forward. Space needs to be dedicated and technology installed that makes virtual conferencing easy, provides a safe work area and facilitates collaborative spaces for co-workers to share ideas will aid sustainability.
Companies need to embrace technology as a tool to strengthen the communication networks between employees in their office hubs, to maintain a positive and healthy work environment. Employers have a duty to their staff and themselves to ensure that their workspaces are compliant with the new policies and procedures. Vortex Design Solutions specialise in marrying the new regulations and the unique behavioural patterns of employees in every workspace with beautiful design.
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Clever interiors should always support the wellbeing of their inhabitants and clever designers will make the necessary adjustments without compromising on aesthetics or budget.
Social distancing provides the opportunity to explore different forms of interior design and while 1.5 meters sounds like miles apart, lots of people already work a fair distance apart from each other.
From a practical perspective we need to look at how we can keep a connection and flow in our spaces, as well as remain safe.
Controlling movement
Removing tired communal seating areas from waiting rooms and replacing them with an appointment only system, enhancing cleaning and safety measures and adding design elements to create barriers are all ways to control the movement of people in a space.
Greenery for screening
Greenery in the office is not only on trend internationally but can create screening through a workspace without a feeling of separation and goes a long way to offsetting those unfriendly Perspex screens.
From hand washing to social distancing
Wet stations with sinks to make washing hands easy for staff and innovative aesthetically pleasing alternatives to floor decals, as well as reassessing planning and layout to accommodate the new social distancing rules, are all practical ways to shift your space.
The customer experience
Inviting customers into our professional spaces has always been linked to brand experience and design which enhances the positive perception of a company.
Social distancing is unlikely to disappear any time soon and it is the job of companies such as Vortex Design to inject design into professional spaces to enhance the brand experience, whilst ensuring a safe, healthy and clean work environment.
Brainstorming simple effective habits with employees that align with your brand, reward initiatives for both customers and employees and smart branding, such as branded sanitiser or branded travelling mugs, are all low cost, effective ways to ensure your brand remains positive in people’s minds.
We must also reassure both our employees and customers that they are safe when entering our professional space to make them feel comfortable. We need to work together to implement low-cost high impact solutions, collaborate and share our knowledge, experiences, and solutions to making spaces safer, smarter, and more streamlined. If we do so, we can not only survive in the post lockdown professional world, but also thrive in the workplace.