BUSINESS
6 THINGS OFFICE SAFETY DEPENDS ON The last couple of weeks saw us redouble our efforts at Nowy Styl. As an expert in space arrangement, we tried to address the many questions that trouble all those facing the challenge of returning to their offices. We expanded our knowledge and talked to invited experts, and our Office Inspiration Centre became a genuine film studio where our in-house. Visiting specialists shared their knowledge and guidance in interviews conducted by TV journalist Olimpia Ajakaiye. Outcomes of our work include a report entitled Welcome back... to the office! and a Workplace Safety Puzzles concept, which this publication discusses in more detail.
being largely cooled by concerns over safety. Indeed: a return to working in the office can be a bad idea if you fail to approach the problem comprehensively, which means not missing any of the six areas of the so-called Workplace Safety Puzzles: • transparent hygiene: availability of appropriate hygiene products and regular disinfection; • distance planning: neatly planned, safe working space for every employee; WORKPLACE SAFETY PUZZLES, • preventive products: safety-enhancing OR HOW TO PIECE TOGETHER items such as plexi walls; A SAFE OFFICE • new workplace etiquette: efficient Every day, more and more companies communication of new policies within are taking the decision to return to their the company; offices. The desire to return, however, is • supportive management: measures to support employees and managers in the new situation;
You can download the report here:
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• visual communication: clear and simple visual communication in the office. The first three puzzles’ consist of elements strictly related to safety, so they are easier to remember. Things get more tricky with the last three, which many companies forget about, even though they have a key impact on employee morale and sense of safety. At Nowy Styl, we already returned to our offices a few months ago, but before we did, we had meticulously prepared them and ourselves for the new circumstances. This has given us a first-hand experience of the whole process. Below, we are looking at some pieces of the puzzle mentioned above, that determine a successful return to the office.
SUPPORTIVE MANAGEMENT, OR BUILDING A SENSE OF SAFETY Faced with the need to return to the office, it is only natural for employees to be afraid. If it was not for fear, people would be likely to take decisions that are dangerous to them. On the other hand, when the emotion appears too often and is too intense it makes performing daily duties difficult, thus causing lower efficiency. It is therefore extremely important for the company to support its employees during that special time. An employer who explains the reasons for his or her decisions and presents further steps to be
Outsourcing&More | September–October 2020
