Potentially returning to the office is on many people's minds right now, especially after the Prime Minister spoke about how that may look on Sunday evening...
Boris Johnson said: “Those who could not work from home before should now be encouraged to return to work – but they should avoid using public transport to get there, if at all possible.”
Workplaces would also subsequently receive guidance on how to become “Covid secure,” he added.
And while the immediate impact may be more keenly felt in sectors like manufacturing and construction, the service sector and office jobs in general will also, over time, be encouraged to return.
While a lot of people are currently working from home, when people do return to work we will need to embrace a “new normal” to ensure we all work safely.
Brindleyplace is capable of making space available for both existing and new office occupiers. Room to grow and expand with generous floorplates means that there is room for both existing and new office occupiers across the estate.
With a range of grade A refurbished office space to let, Brindleyplace maintains its status as Birmingham’s premier office address with major national and international occupiers like Avison Young, Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest and Deloitte.
It offers the ideal space to implement social distancing while accommodating large numbers of staff safely. With its mixed-use facilities and buildings, public squares, generous public transport links and safe and secure environment, it has always had wellbeing at its heart.
But perhaps best of all, space is available right now – one of only a few places in Birmingham city centre ready to receive new occupiers.
To help companies and organisations get their heads around how the new guidelines may translate into reality, property agent Cushman & Wakefield has come up with a safe six checklist for workplace readiness.
David Tonks, at Cushman and Wakefield’s Birmingham office, reflects on the new guidance: “The advice we are advocating for Brindleyplace chimes exactly with what the Prime Minister began to detail on Sunday, which is really all about keeping ourselves and our colleagues as safe as possible as we return to work. That means having firm plans in place to follow safe six workplace readiness principles.
“First of all, prepare the building. Your workplace must be a safe and welcoming place and all risks must have been addressed before anyone walks back through the door. A deep clean must have taken place and new signage highlighting the latest guidance posted.
“Secondly, prepare your workforce by communicating early and in detail about how the return to the workplace will work practically and what actions have been taken to mitigate issues.
“Third, control access to your workplace with security controls and have a policy in place for how you will process deliveries, visitors and contractors. Ensure all communal and lobby areas are laid out in accordance with social distancing.
“Fourth, decrease density of your work spaces and schedule work patterns, shifts and office traffic patterns to maximise social distancing.
“Fifth, minimise touch points and increase cleaning. This includes providing clear desk, food and common area cleaning policies and ensuring these are clearly communicated and upheld.
“Finally, and just as important as all the others, is principle number six. Recognise that returning to work may be stressful for your workforce and communicate transparently. Be sure to listen and keep your ears open to what your team tell you. Prove you are following your own advice by leading by example, inviting feedback and acting upon it.”
by David Tonks
