PATH TO WELLNESS
In the journey to work, and through a typical office environment, there are ways in which careful planning can encourage physical distancing of employees and visitors. We call this a path to wellness.
As more people commute by foot, bicycle, scooter, horse, skateboard, and roller skates, showers, lockers, bike storage, and other building amenities will be more important than ever.
Masks and hand sanitizer are personal responsibilities that should be used to prevent the spread of disease when commuting on public transportation.
Hands-free door operation and card readers help to minimize physical contact and will continue to grow in popularity. Check-in and check-out can also track building occupancy and assist with contact tracing.
The flow of traffic and spacing requirements should be visually indicated with wayfinding signage, physical barriers, or flooring material. Defined spaces for visitors to queue at security check-ins help prevent traffic jams, and place sanitizing stations in convenient locations throughout the path of travel.
Taller, larger reception desks can create a more substantial barrier between guests and the receptionist. Seating should be generously spaced. A delivery area near the door can keep packages isolated and allow them to be sanitized. Lastly, meeting rooms with direct access from the reception area can prevent unnecessary travel of guests throughout the office space.
Self-service kiosks are another option that can limit the in-person interaction between staff and visitors.
Isomi Media Unit Kiosk
Isomi Umi Desk
In the recent past, office design focused on how to maximize the efficiency of space in planning. Driven by concerns about the spread of disease in the workplace, we expect a quick shift towards generous desk spacing and more prominent divisions between workstations.
Circulation paths delineated by contrasting finishes will continue to be a best practice. Partitions and dividers will provide physical and acoustic barriers, and moveable versions allow for an office space to be reconfigured over time. Bright, cleanable surfaces, touchless hardware, and sanitation stations are more thoughtful design elements that can add comfort and security each day for staff and guests. Continue to section 3 for architectural and product solutions.
Dedicated wellness rooms have grown in popularity in the last decade.
These rooms provide space for mental and physical breaks, and a private space for nursing mothers. They should be equipped with personal storage lockers or shelving, a sink, a refrigerator, and comfortable furniture. Different layouts and furniture choices are important for individual wellness and mothers’ rooms, versus one multipurpose wellness room.
Blu Dot Side Tables, Dauphin Lounge, CB2 Wall Mirror, Summit Refrigerator, Carnegie Draperie, Allsteel Planters, Ylighting Floor Lamp, Watson Lockers, Maharam Mop Artwork
