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Returning to the Workplace

05 • 2020

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We are entering a new normalNavigating What’s Next

There are still many uncertainties about returning to the workplace —McCrum’s is here to assist you with our knowledge-based solutions. Our understanding of employee wellbeing and space-planning will help you prioritize the needs of your employees and implement facility changes over now, near and long-term time horizons.

Our designers, sales teams, and manufacturing partners are resources to help your organization balance the needs of your people and space, creating an environment that’s safe and healthy for your employees when it’s prudent to return.

6ft/2m

Minimum DistanceCreate minimum distancing between people in open workstations, meeting spaces and lounge spaces. Reduce density by removing desks, tables and seating, or use alternating desks.

Add Space DivisionIncrease barriers for existing workspaces by adding screens, taller storage elements, plants or partitions.

Movable ScreensIncrease movable screens and privacy devices tor reduced exposure at workstations.

Add Stacking PanelsAdd the highest barrier possible above the work surface on all exposed sides in high density areas.

RemoteIdentify total occupancy and determine which positions are needed on-site and those that can continue to be performed remotely.

Cleanliness Add sanitation caddies and supplies at each workstation for individuals to clean their spaces.

Meet in the OpenUse open spaces for meetings of more than five people, leveraging flexible furniture with movable whiteboards and screens to create boundaries.

More Owned spacesReduce/eliminate shared desks and shift to more owned individual spaces.

Reorient FurnitureReposition desks to work back-to-back, or 90-degrees to face in different directions and prevent workers from working directly across or behind one another.

Separate DesksPull workstations and desks apart to increase distance.

Design considerations when retrofitting spaces for nowGoing forward, organizations will need to retrofit existing products to create a diverse range of spaces that allow them to easily adapt.

Key focus areas for the now and near environments

DensityGeometryDivision

Now, near and long-term changesFor many organizations a return to work will happen in phases as segments of their workforce are safely brought back into the office.

now will be the first phase, with portions of the workforce continuing to work from home. Planning for now means retrofitting the workplace using existing furnishings and adding barriers, panels and screens while adhering to governmental health guidelines for physical distancing and increased sanitation measures.

At the near stage, organizations may be ready to bring back most or all of their workforce and can begin reconfiguring the workplace. This will involve new ways to layout space that offer solutions for enhanced safety.

Work environments in the long-term will require reinvention. Future spaces need to be planned based on the ability to adapt easily to possible economic, climate and health disruptions.

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Workplace SettingsThe following design considerations are thought starters that demonstrate ways to adapt your existing settings for return readiness.

Design considerations when reconfiguring spaces for near-termAs businesses look to normalize, they may need to bring back 75% to 100% of their employees. Business will need to reconfigure their spaces to accommodate these numbers while still adhering to distancing guidelines. Solutions should be highly adaptable so spaces can change quickly in response to any unplanned future disruptions.

Hands-free TechnologyIntegrate technology for hands-free or voice-activated adjustment features.

Design for Disinfecting Smooth surfaces that are easy to clean and fabrics that don’t degrade with continuous cleaning.

Agile WorkstationsFurniture that can be easily moved and reconfigured to create distance as needed.

The new workplace: implications and considerations

Arrival experienceImplement protocols, that promote ongoing safety and precautionary measures at building entrances. These might include:

BUILDING ENTRANCES � Reduce the number of entrances (but maintain code compliance) to direct occupants to use monitored and protected routes

� Hand sanitizer at doorways both inside and outside

� Floor markings for safe distancing for any queues or waiting areas

RECEPTION � Reconfiguration of visitor registration systems allowing guests to abide 6ft/2m minimum distancing

� Glass screens between guests and reception personnel

� Touchless registration via emerging technology on personal cell phones

� Disposable sticker security tags rather than recycled clips or lanyards

SIGNAGE � Use digital signage or posters to remind visitors and staff how to stay safe and keep others safe in the workplace by maintaining social distancing, following new meeting guidelines, hand washing reminders and cleaning protocols

Long-term: reinventThe opportunity ahead is the ability to balance diverse ways of working while supporting peoples wellbeing and responding quickly and easily as needed based on new conditions, whether it be an epidemic or a new prospect for growth.

� Finding the balance between remote work and physical presence

� New norms will be essential as we transition into the physical workplace

� Flexibility and adaptability should be emphasized

� Reestablishing a flexible and open workspace that empowers new product development in smaller groups

� People need clear guidelines for shared spaces—their usage and need for cleaning

As we navigate what’s next, McCrum’s can help you retrofit, reconfigure and reinvent spaces by leveraging our considerable experience in the office interiors industry.

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Remove fabric screens.

For protection against thecorridor, 20h" glass screens areadded. These height adjustwith the user.

1" Laminate and glass floor screen isadded to provide lateral separation

Fabric screens are replacedwith glass. Laminate screenscan be up to 66"h for standingheight protection

Move accessory caddies to allowfor new glass screens in thecorridor.

**Add sanitation caddies/stands for personaluse - wipes, hand sanitizer.**

Replace the 9" glass screen with the standing height protection of a glass Add-On Window.

Add protection from busy corridors with standing height wing panels.

**Glass above 42"h ensures that light freely penetrates the space.**

Add a simplified laminate storage piece that is open, and can hold personal belongings.

Remove collaborative stools.

Remove storage with pulls.

**Add sanitation caddies/stands forpersonal use - wipes, hand sanitizer.**

Remove fabric screens.

Replace fabric fascia with easilywashed hard surface elements (metal, whiteboard, laminate).

IDEA STARTERS / HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE 4-PODS

IDEA STARTERS / HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE 4-PODS

EXISTING WORKSTATIONS EXISTING WORKSTATIONSPROPOSED WORKSTATIONS PROPOSED WORKSTATIONS

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For protection against the corridor, replacethe 9" glass screens with the standingheight protection of glass Add-On Windows.

**Back to back layouts are ideal for not spreading germs.**

If between-user protection is required, washablestanding height panels can be added.

**Glass above 42"hensures that light freelypenetrates the space.**

**Add sanitation caddies/stands for personaluse - wipes, hand sanitizer.**

Shared storage is minimized.

Fabric screensare removed.

Replace the 9" glass spinescreens with the standingheight protection of glass

Add-On Windows.

**Glass above 42"hensures that light freelypenetrates the space.**

If between-user protection is required,washable glass panels can be added.

Add protection from busy corridors withstanding height wing panels.

Storage is multiplied to ensurededication to a single user.

IDEA STARTERS / HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE 2-PODS

IDEA STARTERS / CLIENT TYPICAL 4-PODS

EXISTING WORKSTATIONS PROPOSED WORKSTATIONS

EXISTING CLIENT TYPICAL

PROPOSED CLIENT TYPICAL

We know you’re anxious to get back to the workplace—so are we. The path towards a return to the workplace requires striking a balance between employee safety and business continuity.

We also know that organizational and employee needs are going to evolve as people return to the workplace, and we’re committed to working closely with our customers to share our observations and insights to help you implement facility changes over the now, near and long-term time horizons.

McCrum’s Office Furnishings403.259.4939 | mccrums.com