I think it’s fair to say that things have been quite different over the last 18 months. We’ve had to adapt to a new way of living, and according to reports, the world of work has changed forever. Some reports even suggest that hybrid models of remote work are here to stay.
But what are your staff members and colleagues saying about returning to the office?
The majority of UK workers want their work life to return to how it was at the end of 2019 so what can you do now to make your workplaces more secure and engaging for your staff members and colleagues?
Here are 5 things to consider while planning the return to “normal”.
1 – Put safety first
A survey by PwC showed that most company leaders and managers are implementing new protocols for deep cleaning, sanitisation of their workspaces, and changing the layout of workstations. At RSL we have taken steps like introducing office coffee machines with distance selection technology to reduce contact with our machines. On Vending Machines, you can now get SAFETouch, an antimicrobial agent which stops bacterial growth. We have also published cleaning guides for our most popular machines.
2 – Wellbeing
As most of your colleagues have been on furlough or working from home for the last 18 months, they’ve become accustomed to home comforts and got out of the habit of commuting, so they’ll need to get used to early mornings again. Having a great range of coffee and hot drinks at work is one reason to be glad about being in the office again. An office coffee machine with a great drink selection can boost morale and increase productivity in the workplace.
3 – Communication
Clear communication about your plans for the return to work will keep your staff in the loop and help keep their minds at ease. Bear in mind that some staff members may be feeling anxious about returning to the office, so good internal communication is key going forward.
4 – Rotational Teams
Have you thought about rotational teams? It’s something a lot of businesses are considering. Staff members can be split up into different teams and come in on different days to keep office occupancy at lower levels.
Return To Work
There you have it. Before returning to work, consider your deep cleaning and sanitisation plan, the wellbeing of your staff members, and clear communication. Having staff members come in on different days will reduce office occupancy levels. But once we’re on the other side, and your offices are buzzing again, remember, Refreshment Systems is here for all your office refreshment needs.
