There will have to be a number of things all of the Shared Workspaces..formerly know as Co-Working Space… will have to do to keep their patrons safe and healthy during this, and future, pandemics like COVID-19. 

Got To Start Doing This Now!

In my recent post I made on LinkedIn I shared WeWorks video below.  

As you saw WeWorks committed doing a lot to keep their members and office tenants safe and healthy while they ride out this killer pandemic called COVID-19.

Is This Too Little Too Late

Of course, this should have been done starting many weeks earlier.  

De-Densifying Space

I am not sure reallocated the distance between Shared Desks is an answer.   What should be done in the space allocated for Dedicated Desks and Shared Desk (tables) is to clear out all of the furnishings and put up glass wall cubicles that those tenants can use instead of being in the open.   Yes, this would require greater investment from ownership. 

However, if they have a smart operations management team they would include in their request for the needed funds to make the needed changes the expenses associated with not allocate funds.  Expenses like the costs of battling the lawsuits they would deal with if one of their tenants got sick..or even worse, died, after proving they contracted COVID-19 from their facility.  

Just going in and separating the chairs and desks to the suggested Social Distancing standers is not going to keep anyone safe..or healthy!!  Putting people back into Offices is the ONLY answer now.

Behavioral Signage

Again, if everyone came back to work had been seriously following what has gone on around them should not need signage that reminds them how to behave.  But, there are those who need reminding and there are those who need reinforcement that the person in control of their workspace environment cares about them.  Plus, there are those who need signage as proof the landlord is being lawful.

Having signage around the shared workspace announcing the law or laws that everyone will need to follow in order to be in the shared workspace also comforts those who are abiding by the law.

Enhanced Cleaning

The cleaning protocols are very important and need to be broadcast out to all members so they know how their office space and the shared workspace is being cleaned.  Knowing the scope of the cleaning of the work environment is important and needs to be visible to all tenants.   This process needs to be ongoing and become part of the New Way of doing things.

Sanitation Stations

Sanitation Stations should also become the norm.  Practicing good sanitation habits needs to be enforced.  

Improved Air Quality

Having clean air to breathe should be a requirement and most office tenants are going to mandate the building have the air circulating and filtered.

Gotta Get Use To The Change In Normal

There just is no way around the need for everyone…yes, that includes you…to comply with the need to stay healthy.   The world is getting crowded and with crowdedness comes the risk of another pandemic.

What was normal is now not normal and what will become normal will be the new change everyone has to get ready for.

Are you ready for all this?  If not, you need to get ready.  Like it or not, change I here.

Let me know how I can help.