A D D R ES S IN G THE WORKPLACE
COVID19
A recent study published by Gensler Research Institute showed that 70% of workers wanted to return to the workspace but with critical changes in place. 30% of employees wanted a flexible working arrangement.
NO DAYS AT HOME 44%
1 OR 2 DAYS AT HOME 26%
70% OF PEOPLE WANT TO WORK IN THE OFFICE THE MAJORITY OF THEIR WEEK
3 OR 4 DAYS 5 DAYS AT HOME AT HOME 18% 12% 30% OF PEOPLE WANT A FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENT
The survey of 2300+ workers was conducted online from April 16th to May 4th 2020. [Gensler U.S. Work from Home Survey 2020]
IMPACT A sense of connection to other human beings is fundamental and social connections are essential to our mental health. Therefore, coming together in an office / work environment will still be relevant post Covid-19.
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Cubicle Working: Computers were cumbersome, office chairs creaky and desks oversized. The start of the technological era. Generation X comes of working age.
1980s Open-Plan Working: Technological advancement, World-Wide-Web and a collaborative open office culture.
1990s
2000s
Workplace through the Decades
Co-Working: The turn of the century saw the Millennials enter the work force. The rise of the smart-phone and Google.
2010s
2020
Remote Working: Valuing sustainability and experiences over physical possessions. Tech start-up culture, the rise of the “influencer’ and collaborative work spaces.
Post-Pandemic Working: Employee wellness, a flexible workspace and the rise of the home office.
CHANGE Post Pandemic safety around physical distancing will be more relevant than ever. Evaluating unused spaces vs optimizing work efficiency or balancing a decentralized working environment whilst maintaining core corporate culture will require smart ideas. Tradition is obsolete!
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Three Design Considerations when retrofitting or reconfiguring workspace are:
Density Geometry Division
WORKSPACE Infinitude Design specializes in space planning and workplace solutions. Our expertise is tailored around functional workspace environments, we are rethinking the office in the post-Pandemic era. Infinitude’s comprehensive solutions include: Consulting, Space-Planning, Design, Change Management and Project & Move Management.
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Re-Orientate Furniture: Reconfigure desking to reduce face-to-face orientation.
Add Screens: Adding space division with screening, storage elements, plants & partitions
Changes in the Workplace
Reduce Guest Seating: Increase seating gaps with the removal of alternate chairs and visitors seating in offices.
Shift-Work: Staggering work-shifts throughout the day, flexible hours and job sharing.
Wellness Oriented Approach: Prioritizing the physical and emotional well-being of employees.
CONSULTING Our design team offers innovative solutions and new ways of working through low-cost, high impact measures for a safety conscious workspace. We are able to assist in assessing an accurate ratio between new office occupancy vs remote workstations for the effective and efficient use of space. If it’s taking advantage of technology in collaboration with industry specialists or adding meaningful value in longer term design upgrades and modifications, Infinitude Design has the best solution for you. In short, we will re-assess your needs to achieve the best out of your workspace!
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Six-Foot Methodology: Create 1.8m distance between people in open plan and meeting environments.
Personal Bubbles: Defined private spaces.
Changes in the Workplace
Sanitation Stations: Practical and easy access to sanitization facilities, chemicals and equipment.
Assigned Desking: Reduce and/or eliminate shared workstations.
Workplace Space Assessments: Conduct space analysis to determine new requirements based on office occupancy and employee flexibility.
SPACE PLANNING Changing dynamics and trends in the post-Pandemic office calls for new ideas! These include adapting collaboration areas, allowance for the six-foot methodology and “personal bubbles�. Furthermore, the prominent move towards remote working will require re-evaluating your current space requirements. Powered with years of experience we are ready to revolutionize the workplace of the future with you.
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Design for Disinfecting: Specify and select materials that allow for continuous cleaning without degradation whilst being anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial.
De-densify Ancillary Spaces: Re-arrange lounge areas or include individual seating to help maintain a safe distance.
Changes in the Workplace
Add Height: Introduce maximum feasible height - screening or barriers to workstations when 1.8m distancing cannot be achieved.
Furniture Flexibility: Introduce office furniture that can be moved and reconfigured with ease.
Meet in the Open: To limit large gatherings of people within a conference room or introduce larger open meeting spaces.
DESIGN Design is not just aesthetics but also functionality and innovation. It influences our mood and productivity. Our design team’s approach in incorporating global design trends with a uniquely local flavour speaks to a vibrant and diverse South African style. Use of elements such as acoustics, lighting, biophilia, hues and textures, elevate the interior experience. Incorporating this design philosophy with a new use of anti-microbial materials makes our approach relevant today. Furthermore, our design flexibility allows reconfiguration and modification of existing furniture and finishes which allows for economic sustainability. A strong design thread can enhance corporate identity. It is an expression of company culture, brand and vision.
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Remote Working: Support for a mobile work-from-home policy with ergonomic workstations and worktools including flexible working hours.
Employee Protocols: Guidelines around returning to the office including communication covering health screening and illness protocols.
Changes in the Workplace
Sanitization: Implementing and reinforcing sanitization and disinfection discipline. Clean desk policy and visible house keeping.
PPE: Face-masks are the new norm.
Pandemic Response Team: Assigning team-leaders to address and communicate post-covid health & safety protocols.
CHANGE MANAGEMENT With changing dynamics in the workplace - whether it be a company merger, an office relocation, downscaling or a shift in the way we work - comes uncertainty and most likely resistance. Change management assists and guides organizations in managing the process of change. This transition into new ways of working combined with social distancing procedures may be daunting. To encourage participation and acceptance, it is important to engage and communicate effectively to prepare and equip your employees for change. Our team will assist in making this transition easier.
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Remote Collaboration: Use of large scale video conferencing and related communication technology.
Touchless Technology: Solutions around “no-touch� systems including facial recognition, retina scanning and gesture/voice activation.
Changes in the Workplace
Health & Wellbeing: The use of early illness detection technology in the workplace.
Air-Purification: Optimization of building air ventilation, filtration and purification.
Rethink Cafe/Food Services: New food/beverage solutions including pre-packaged food, cashless transactions and staggered lunch times.
PROJECT / MOVE MANAGEMENT Project management: Infinitude Design offers project management, taking all aspects into account, whilst striving for the highest quality interior installations within budget and on time.
Move management: Co-ordinating all phases of a move to ensure seamless execution regardless of scale including pre-planning, task delegation, implementing, settling and finalization. Our trusted expertise in working with industry professionals offers teamwork that delivers.
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Geoff Peck: 082 443 5996 geoff@infinitude.co.za
Samantha Somerville: 082 337 8313 samantha@infinitude.co.za
Vanessa Kramer: 083 289 0877 vanessa@infinitude.co.za
Vandana Barot: 082 385 7244 vandana@infinitude.co.za
Koketso Rankoko: 067 912 3908 koketso@infinitude.co.za
www.infinitude.co.za