With many COVID-19 restrictions ending today, more than a third (35%) of office workers are still concerned their workplaces aren’t COVID secure, according to new research from Mitie.
When asked what measures would make employees feel more confident in returning to the workplace, better ventilation systems were called for, along with hand sanitiser at every desk, toilets cleaned more frequently, and more space between workstations.
Office workers are also keen to see their employers invest in the latest technology to ensure their workplaces are safe – with systems using ultraviolet light to kill germs, for example to clean air and surfaces, thermal imaging technology which can detect when people have a raised temperature and desk booking apps all featuring on their wish lists.
Daniel Guest, Chief Operating Officer, Technical Services, Mitie, said: “Whilst working from home has been a success for many it’s clear that people are ready to return to the office, but employees need to be reassured that their workplace is clean and safe.
“It’s important that businesses listen to their colleagues’ concerns and ensure the workplace is a safe environment ready for their return. This can include small gestures like hand sanitiser on desks and free masks, but also investing in technology like systems that use ultraviolet light to kill germs or thermal imaging cameras to detect when people have a raised temperature will go a long way to ensuring colleagues are confident with coming back to the office.”
Top workplace changes office workers want to see:
Hand sanitiser at every desk
Toilets cleaned more frequently
Better ventilation systems
Better cleaning regime generally
More space between workstations
Increased ‘touch point’ cleaning – bannisters, door handles etc…
Free masks
Reduced office/meeting room capacity to allow for social distancing
One-way systems
More visible cleaners
Desk booking apps/systems
Rules around making drinks for others
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection which uses UV light to kill germs
Thermal imaging technology which can detect when people have a raised temperature
