Covid-19 work spaces: No more chit-chat around water cooler, gossip in pantry or sharing desk - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Covid-19 work spaces: No more chit-chat around water cooler, gossip in pantry or sharing desk

Hindustan Times | ByMallika Bhagat, New Delhi
Aug 31, 2020 07:00 AM IST

The days of cramped office spaces will soon become a thing of the past, with new work stations being designed keeping in mind the guidelines to follow social distancing, to avoid spread of Covid-19.

The pandemic has turned our beds into workstations as most professionals continue to #WorkFromHome. Some offices have reopened with reduced workforce, shift timings and elaborate sanitisation. But now, the architects and interior designers have a new challenge — to redo offices so that social distancing can be maintained.

Offices are being redesigned to ensure minimal interaction among co-workers to curb spread of Covid-19.(Photo: Shutterstock)
Offices are being redesigned to ensure minimal interaction among co-workers to curb spread of Covid-19.(Photo: Shutterstock)

Many architects feel that Covid-19 will certainly modify many aspects of a workplace. Kissa Zehra, a Delhi-based interior designer, says, “In this ‘new normal’, obvious additions such as more hand sanitiser dispensers, installation of a sanitisation box at the entrance of the building, and restricted employee zones will have to be encouraged. And any sanitisation will have to be as contactless as possible.”

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Spaced out desks are being arranged to maintain a distance of at least six feet. Many offices are installing translucent partitions between cubicles.”
– Somya Agarwal, an interior designer

Designing an office that will require minimal interaction and contact will soon be the norm, say experts. “Spaced out desks are being arranged so that employees can sit diagonally to each other, thus maintaining a distance of at least six feet. Many offices are installing translucent partitions between cubicles, and even at the reception, for better physical separation. Also, no more chatting around the water cooler as furniture in pantry or spill out areas could soon be history,” says Somya Agarwal, a Delhi-based interior designer.

Direct contact with communal services will also have to be controlled. “Designs always prioritise on ‘user comfort’ and now, it’s safety that’s the biggest concern. For the materials, workspaces will no longer cater to carpets or carpet tiles or any such surface that can absorb and hold viruses for a longer period. This also means replacing the fingerprinting system of attendance and taking it online, smart voice controlled lifts etc. The focus now needs to be on the functionality than luxury,” adds Neha Bajaj, an independent architect.

“Office spaces will need to change from the typical maximum space utilisation open office model to a more hybrid office plan model.”
– Khyati Kohli , Delhi-based architect

Delhi-based architect Khyati Kohli also feels that though #WFH is more popular at present, it can’t replace a classic office set up. “Office spaces will need to change from the typical maximum space utilisation open office model to a more hybrid office plan model, which allows free movement of people with social distancing measures!”

Expecting a major focus on technological upgrades, Kohli adds, “Video conferences and virtual workspaces will have to become available in an affordable manner for everyone to be able to use them with ease.”

Interact with the author @bhagat_mallika

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On