As lockdown restrictions continue to ease and many make their way back to work, it’s vital that workspaces are as safe as possible for employees. Government guidelines suggest regular handwashing, two-metre distancing, staggered work hours, and outdoor meetings to prevent the spread of Covid-19. But it’s also important that offices implement protective screens to keep employees safe. In this post, we’ll cover the different types of screens available and how to use them effectively.
Full Height Screens
Full height screens are most effective when implemented between desks. Since these sit several feet higher than the desk, it helps prevent people from leaning over them to talk to each other, which is easily done as people begin to get back to normal routines.
These usually come with adjustable feet making them easy to configure to fit your offices. Plus, the anti-bacterial transparent surface means they are easily wipeable and staff can still talk through them when needed.
Desk-Mounted Screens
For those who share a single desk, there will be a requirement for desk-mounted screens. These sit on top of desks, helping to divide the area for multiple people to use. As well as offering a physical barrier between individuals, it also helps to divide the desk space to help staff separate their supplies easily.
To ensure maximum effectiveness, either full height or desk-mounted screens should be installed between all individual work areas.
Folding Screens
Folding screens are a good option for flexible workspaces. They easily fold away when not needed and assemble quickly when they need to be put in place.
This type is useful for meeting rooms where separators are only needed during certain times of the day.
Hot Desking
Although shared desks should be minimised to avoid cross-contamination, in smaller offices, this isn’t always possible. In cases where people must share desks, screens should be used where possible to separate the areas.
Employees should then be assigned a specific area that they use exclusively to help minimise the number of surfaces touched by different people.
Where screens are simply not an option and employees must share a desk at different times of the day, increased sanitisation and hand washing should be encouraged with signage and reminders throughout the day.
Corridors
In both office and school corridors, screens can be used to implement a one-way traffic system which helps to maintain two-metre distancing.
Full height screens can be placed in a barrier down the middle of corridors with an arrow system indicating the direction.
If this barrier screen system is implemented, it’s vital to ensure there is easy access to fire exits throughout the corridors.
In need of protective screens for your workspace?
Our interior fit-out team can help you design a safe workspace that follows guidelines using high-quality safety screens. We can help you design an office space that keeps staff safe and maximises the space you have.
Get in touch today to find out more.
