It all sounds pretty grim, doesn’t it? Dividers and panels separating desks, one-way trackers to direct traffic flow, and the physical distancing of all furniture alike to keep people at least 2 metres apart. Kind of makes going to the office seem like a chore.
Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. Employers and managers have a range of options available to put some zip and zest into the workplace as they welcome employees back, including the use of modern office furniture to enhance the office experience. Ergonomically designed furniture, including chairs and standing desks, will help take the stress out of COVID-19 measures by offering both comfort and functionality.
Consider these options:
- The Migration height-adjustable desk allows employees to move from standing and seated positions throughout the day.
- The Leap chair by Steelcase offers an exceptional range of adjustments, and delivers full support for various body shapes and sizes. The Natural Glide System™ enables you to comfortably recline without straining your eyes, neck, or arms.
- The Steelcase Active Lift Riser makes the transition from standing and sitting easy throughout the day. Whether you are using your monitor, laptop, or smartphone, this tool can be placed on any worksurface, and with a touch of a button, easily raise or lower your screen.
- The Gesture ergonomic office and desk is an innovative design that adjusts to nine different postures, a feature not adequately provided by current products. It represents a leap in ergonomic design and comfort, leading to enhanced employee wellbeing and productivity. It responds to, and works with, the body’s movements.
Furniture Designed for Employee Wellbeing Goes Beyond Desks and Chairs
Of course, modern office furniture that enhances wellbeing isn’t limited to desks and chairs. Managers should add additional comfort touches, such as sofas and lounges that permit employees to work and relax away from the traditional workstation. However, remember that density, division, and geometry protocols must apply with more casual modern office furniture, just as it does with all areas of the workplace. Keep at least two metres apart and use a mask when that’s not possible.
If more casual furniture works in your office, try these on for size:
- Campfire Lounges bring style to any space with gorgeous fabric options and deep-seat comfort. It offers endless configurations, allowing employees to choose which configuration best supports their working style, while adhering to physical safety requirements.
- The Umami Lounge System is designed to create informal spaces that promote and enhance creativity. Its flexible modular design makes it very versatile.
- The media: scape lounge enables small teams to comfortably connect and easily collaborate. Employees can optimize each media:scape setting to best meet their collaboration needs, from sharing wirelessly in a conference room, to brainstorm over video.
- The Brody WorkLounge and Desk are private workspaces designed to support the lounge posture and provide shelter from visual distractions.
Modern office furniture options like these can help create a beneficial and positive work experience. Remember though, their use will need to conform to COVID-19 measures and protocols.
Let’s Not Forget About the Intangibles
But it’s not all about desks, chairs, and lounges. What about the intangibles, the additions that lift the spirit, inspiring creativity and engagement? Offices can still include a range of natural environment and cultural aspects post-COVID:
- Indoor waterfalls, plants, and other natural elements not only improve the air quality of an office, they serve to inspire creativity in employees.
- Works of art adorning walls and desks are equally inspiring. Perhaps employers and managers could involve and engage employees by having their own artistic endeavours displayed for all to see.
- Another way to engage employees would be through office sports pools, an enhanced cafeteria/kitchen experience, and office quizzes, perhaps with prizes for the winners.
- A virtual library could also help employees relax while on break, perhaps taking advantage of those comfy lounges.
It will take some effort to go beyond the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 measures, but with a little thought and ingenuity, there’s no reason why the office experience needs to be limiting. Contact the experts at POI today for assistance in creating a collaborative post-COVID workspace.
Learn more about how your workplace can collaborate safely and with purpose in our upcoming webinar on October 15. Sign up here.