Designing for Quarantine – Returning to Work
These past few months have been a rapid adjustment to a new way of life; living and working during an international pandemic. This new era of quarantine and social distancing has left us with little reference for how to move forward and work as we did before. Managing these new challenges of spatial division and connectivity and what that looks like has become more forthcoming as we rethink and retool for operating during quarantine.
Returning to work has proceeded slowly and we have seen a variety of solutions taking shape. The first and foremost is distancing and spacing, some offices even choosing to downsize as more of their staff work remotely from home. While others have proceeded with new spacing of desks, seating, and conferencing to accommodate the recommended 6-foot distance. We have also seen an array of new furniture and material designs to accommodate work during quarantine such as separation panels, sanitizing stations and thermal screening dividers.
As we navigate these solutions for getting workers back to the workplace, safety is paramount. This allows for both staff and customers to return and feel comfortable with moving forward. By keeping the focus on safety, we can move to a model that is both productive and adaptable during this time.
Herman Miller’s Mora Rail, for sanitizing supply stations that allow for continued use and protection against the spread of germs in the workplace.
The Loftwall Shelter desking systems provide acrylic panels to physically separate staff creating the required workspace distances.
The Clarus TherMobile Thermal Scanning Screens are designed to provide a barrier for testing staff, clients, residents, and patients.
Herman Miller’s Antimicrobial MicrobeCare coating is an alternative for some materials and surfaces that slow down the spread of germs and viruses by disrupting the growth process.
Qworkntine Office Pod Systems are airtight and designed for those that cannot work from home. The system offers hands-free doors, facial recognition security and built-in air purifiers.