CREJ

December 2020 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 47 ics, plaques noting how many people are allowed in a partic- ular space, and “do not sit” signage if seating or workstations are not socially distanced or if they have been used, but not cleaned. In addition to signage, the way space is used is adapting. While fewer people are able to occupy a space, some seating maybe removed, orareasmaybeclosedoff entirelythatdonot allow for appropriate social distancing (such as smaller meet- ing rooms). Food and beverage areas also are being adapted in the short term tominimize the spread of infection. Thismight involve limiting use of appliances or again, closing these areas off entirely. Companies also are adapting their employee entrances to help limit the spread of COVID and ensure that appropriate check-in procedures are followed. Most states mandate daily health screenings, and those can take many forms depending on budget available: self-checks, an individual employee that screens people upon entry, or a thermographic temperature scanner. Regardless, most companies require employees to check-in upon arrival so they can track who is in the space on a given day. This allows for appropriate contact tracing in the event an employee is infected. While some of these practices, such as signage and blocking off spaces, will go away as we emerge from the current crisis, some we expect to stay, like the increased presence of hand sanitizer and hands-free features such as toe-pulls to open re- stroom doors or touchless appliances. It is too early and there are too many variables to know exactly what lies ahead, but it is safe to assume even more changes will be coming to our workplaces in the future. One long-term workplace evolution that might occur is re- thinking office circulation patterns. Currently, the standard hallway width is 60 inches, which does not allow people to pass each other in the corridor at 6 feet apart. Moving forward, we hope to see different circulation patterns emerge through our partnerships with architectural thought leaders, and as new workplaces are designed or remodeled. Additionally, we may see more “hoteling” or unassigned seating as companies embrace more remote work and seek efficiency in their office usage. Underlying these ideas are company policies and communi- cations surrounding the implementationof thenewprotocols. These communications are critical to prepare employees to return to a different type ofworkplace, and to give themconfi- dence that they are returning to a safe environment. Office space is always changing, and more changes are cer- tainly ahead. But, the good news is there are simple, cost-effec- tive things youcando today tomake sureyour space is safe for your employees’ return tomorrow. \\ Laura.Kucharczyk@cbre.com Rochelle.Clarke@cbre.com ELEMENTS Project Management