IWG UK co-workplaces prepare to be Covid-safe

The UK’s co-working centres are preparing to implement guidelines from the Department for Business as workers look to return to offices amid the coronavirus pandemic. The guidelines suggest the tape or paint is used to mark two-metre distances; working areas are altered so staff can observe social distancing; hot-desking is stopped or desks are sanitised between users when this is not possible; and extra parking or bike racks are provided. Workspace is installing screens, floor marking, signs and widening entrances, said CEO Graham Clemett. Fora is introducing frequent cleaning while making masks and gloves available to staff.

O ffice firms on Tuesday said they are ready to adapt to the government’s new back-to-work guidelines that encourage companies to avoid hot desking and keep 2m social distancing in place.

Landlords and co-working office operators are digesting a new guidance published yesterday by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. It outlines recommendations for helping Brits get safely back to work following the coronavirus lockdown.

Among the list of advice to people that work in, or run offices, is:

Using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help workers keep to a 2m distance.

Reviewing layouts and processes to allow people to work further apart from each other.

Avoiding use of hot desks and, where not possible, for example, call centres or training facilities, cleaning and sanitising workstations between different occupants including shared equipment.

Providing additional parking or facilities such as bike racks.

Graham Clemett, chief executive of landlord Workspace, which offers flexible leases, often to startups and SMEs, said: “We welcome the clarity these guidelines offer. We have already anticipated a number of these measures and are incorporating them into all of our business centres."

He said Workspace is installing screens for receptionists to sit behind, introducing signs and floor markings indicating 2m distances, and opening entrances up to provide more space for people as they come in and out of sites.

Katrina Larkin, co-founder of flexible workspace firm Fora, said: “We understand how critical a physical working space is for businesses both large and small, and how important it is to support them through this period."

Larkin added: "Working space providers will need to undertake a range of initiatives to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their members.”

Among measures Fora is undertaking include having new cleaning protocols to ensure that surfaces are continually being cleaned between uses, and having face masks and gloves available for staff and tenants.

Neil McLocklin, head of strategic consultancy at Knight Frank said: “The guidance is well thought through and is able to provide businesses and employees with the confidence that they can return to the workplace safely."

McLocklin added that it is crucial that employers complete a risk assessment to ensure a safe workplace before re-occupancy.

Richard Kauntze, chief executive of the British Council for Offices said: “The BCO welcomes the gradual reopening of Britain’s workplaces. Working from home is a highly effective short-term measure, but we work better together. For this reason, the office will remain central to how we work for decades to come.”