Across the network of 5,000 shared office spaces in the UK, the task of being able to reopen safely has been a huge one – requiring careful planning and determination in the face of negative press and Government restrictions.
Reopening a shared office space might be one of the most difficult like many public spaces with high footfall. Centres with large open plan shared co-working desks face the biggest challenge – the Government is actively discouraging this type of workspace for now. Centres which are formed from mainly private office suites are obviously an easier option and with only 30 per cent of staff thought to be returning to work over the next few months, keeping a distance is much easier when offices are closed off from each other. Locking down communal spaces within an office building restricts the chance of contamination.
Jonathan Ratcliffe from serviced office provider Offices.co.uk said, "I've never seen an industry pull together like this in face of such adversity - the office space sector has really pulled the stops out to get workspaces reopened for business – albeit slowly and carefully."
With the Government issuing advice to wear face protection on public transport, it is thought that this clear message will help employees feel confident in the transition back to working in a city centre office environment.
The two stages of shared office reopening:
STAGE 1 - June
STAGE 2 – July
Jonathan added, "staff across the UK from large City skyscrapers to small regional offices have worked extremely hard to provide protection for staff and clients alike ahead of their reopening schedule. As an industry, we are all hoping that by taking baby-steps we can welcome everyone back to the office safely and inspire confidence for the rest of 2020."