Over the last year, we’ve seen many changes to the way we work and live, shifting communication to the digital world. And while many aspects of our new work style will have positive impacts for years to come, we are also excited to get back to the in-person interactions that are integral to businesses in the hospitality and professional services industries.

As our clients start planning their transition back to shared workspaces, they obviously want to do so with an emphasis on safety. This level of planning is bound to bring about questions.

- Do we need to build or remodel the office to operate safely?

- What level of permanence should we be designing and building for?

- How long is the lead time on making necessary safety changes?

- What types or permits might I need and are there any fast-track programs?

- What is required from a legal and regulatory standpoint?

As a first step in addressing these questions, we highly recommend this informative article written by our trusted advisors, Carle, Mackie, Power & Ross LLP. They dive into the new “normal” with information about different legal regulations as well as advice on how to create a plan that works for your company.

CLICK HERE FOR STEPS ON HOW TO RE-OPEN YOUR OFFICE SPACE

In terms of any temporary or semi-permanent safety improvements that you may want to make, our team recommends the following:

- Install touchless restroom & break room fixtures, motion activated lighting, and automatic door operators.

- Upgrade your HVAC system to include HEPA/Merv 13 filters, adding more outside air and installing UV light systems in the duct work.

- Reconfigure open office spaces to gain 6’ separation and possibly install temporary/permanent cubicle walls to extend height if 6’ of separation is not achievable.

- Call us for a complimentary consultation to discuss the particulars of your work environment, including how you wish to interact with those both inside and outside of your organization.

Working at Nordby means prioritizing the well-being of our employees, clients, partners, and community. We will continue to create a pathway at Nordby for a safe and productive reopening, and welcome any questions of how we can help your company do the same.