With the government easing lockdown restriction, many of us will be returning to work in the coming weeks and months – but what will a return to the office look like?

The coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally shifted the way people live and work.

However, with lockdown restrictions loosening many people are expecting to return to work.

But how will our working landscapes differ from pre-lockdown?

To ensure safety at the office, the UK government along with the BSI has published the following outlook of office environments and guidance to employers:

Cleaning, handwashing and hygiene 

• hand sanitiser will likely be available around the workplace, in addition to washrooms

• cleaners may be spotted frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly

• extra hand drying facilities may be supplied – either paper towels or electrical dryers

Less people in the office

• Many workers may still be working from home, so expect less people in offices

Twom social distancing, where possible

• Expect signs to be erected to remind workers and visitors of social distancing guidance

• Workstations will likely be split up so everyone has their own

• Many offices will have floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep to a 2m distance

• Offices will also use one-way traffic systems through the workplace if possible

Transmission risk management

• Screens or barriers may be used to separate people from each other

• Some offices will used back-to-back or side-to-side working where possible

• Expect colleageus to have staggered arrival and departure times

• Fixed teams or partnering may also be employed to reduce the number of people each person has contact with