Flexibility and hygiene key aspects of a post-Covid workplace environment: Survey

NEW DELHI: Flexible work practices and hygiene remain the two key aspects of returning to work globally, according to a study conducted by Singapore headquarters workplace design consultancy firm Space Matrix and US based design firm Interior Architect.
About 77% and 76% in US and Asia, respectively, voted for a reassessment of working from home policies and 67% and 73%, respectively, thought it was prudent to invest in communication technologies to support business continuity, according to the survey.

About 63% and 60% in the US and Asia, respectively, felt it was important to address a phased re-entry into the work environment. About 54% respondents from the US and 56% in Asia want to establish enhanced and increased cleaning frequency.

As far as the long-term considerations are concerned, the highest ranked response favored reassessing company policies or creating a policy around working from home as an option going forward.

The report analyses data collected from approx 2500 respondents based in the US and APAC including Singapore and India) over one month in April, as most countries were in the midst of lockdown.

“Despite cultural differences between survey participants given the diverse geographies, and contrary to expectations, the results were surprisingly similar for most questions, suggesting that both the human response to work during the pandemic and the reaction to an awaited return to the office are more universal than anticipated,” the company said.

The top ranked factor missed while working from home is face to face interaction with colleagues.

Survey reflect a near equal importance on the value of collaboration with colleagues, which is closely aligned to the response favoring face-to-face interaction.

The third top ranked factor missed when working from home is the routine that comes with being in a physical workspace.

“The survey by Space Matrix and Interior Architects has brought about interesting insights that guide conversations with our clients around the future of their workplaces. Where tactical measures are prevalent in planning for a safe return to the office, we see organisations taking a more visionary approach with blue key thinking for the long term,” said Su-San Tan, Director- Workplace Strategy and Insights.

Divided into near and long-term considerations, the survey highlights how organisations would need to find an equilibrium between what worked well before, what they learned when forced into lockdown, and what needs to happen to succeed in the new normal. The survey also highlights how an organisation’s ultimate goal in a post-Covid scenario will be the creation of safe havens for employees.

Space Matrix developed the Workplace Reboot Programme and identified major concerns that employees face when returning to work.

The five-point strategic revamp of the workspace in the post-COVID-19 world include Social distancing, Countering fear of infection, Management of unplanned scenarios, Adherence of protocols and Overcoming employee concerns.