workspaces re-imagined

Now after months of unease companies are finally being able to turn their attention to how their employees will return to the workplace after abruptly being made to work from home. COVID-19 initially created challenges as the global workforce quickly pivoted to working remotely. While there will be long-term impacts to the future of workplace, our focus is now turning to the immediate concern: How will we safely, both physically and emotionally return our valued employees to the workplace?  

Although the workplace has always evolved, several trends have been accelerated by the pandemic. COVID-19 has broadened the expectations of employees for flexibility to choose to work from anywhere. Even in regions where restrictions have eased, the expectations remain. These expectations, coupled with some of the ongoing realities of the global pandemic, will accelerate new workplace requirements.

While workplace design, policies and safety protocols are critical pieces of the puzzle, they do not touch on perhaps the most important aspect of return to work—the readiness of the workforce physically, emotionally and psychologically. 

Organisations should prioritise plans to mitigate employee fears and concerns. People are worried about their personal health and the health of those they care about. They have anxieties about their jobs, the future of their organisations and even the future of their industries.

To help organisations through what will be a turbulent, stressful and unpredictable return to work, Plan1 has developed a seven-step strategic process to support businesses for their plans to bring employees back to workplaces safely. The roadmap will be developed with your employee’s health, engagement and overall company culture the key drivers. 

Strategies which are appropriate in one location or organisation may not be suitable in another. Recent experience and cultural context will be hugely important, and organisations will require customised solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Businesses across the globe have had their regular operations interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Australians start to envision a time in the near future when they can go back to their offices, it’s important to prepare for and take this significant step equipped with all the necessary information, and with the best possible plan in place. Let us help you get started.