Returning to the Workplace After COVID-19

More and more businesses are starting to work towards reopening, and it is crucial that they are mindful of the changing advice and restrictions from the government. Employers need to plan any return to the workplace carefully to ensure that they look after their staff’s wellbeing.

Risk Assessment

One of the first steps to arranging a return to work after COVID-19 needs to be completing a risk assessment. This will enable the business to understand what should be done to ensure the safety of staff members. A COVID-19 risk assessment should cover the situations that might cause the virus to be transmitted, the chances of an individual being exposed, and how the risk can be removed or controlled.

Social Distancing

Guidelines state that where possible, workers should be kept two metres apart. Where this isn’t possible, workers can opt for a one metre distance with added measures to mitigate risk. One way to do this in office spaces, for example, is to invest in Perspex protective desk divider screens, like those available from Furniture At Work.

Hygiene

Frequently wiping down surfaces and keeping the workplace clean will reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading. Employers should work to keep workplaces clean and encouraging staff to wash their hands frequently will help keep a business COVID secure.

When completing a risk assessment, employers need to consider providing the placement of handwashing facilities. Handwashing facilities or sanitiser should be available for employees as they arrive at or leave work, and additional facilities should be available for use during the day.

Vulnerable Workers

It is crucial that employers consider the risk to any workers who are especially vulnerable to coronavirus. Public Health England has identified individuals who may be at a greater risk of infection or an adverse outcome, and this includes older males, those with a high BMI, individuals with conditions like diabetes, and individuals from some Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups.

The government has encouraged employers to work with individuals who have been defined as clinically extremely vulnerable to ensure any return to their workplace is safe. Where possible, it is recommended that individuals who are considered extremely vulnerable are supported to work from home.

Guide to Office Chair Lifespan

Office chairs are one of the most crucial pieces of office equipment. With many workers spending up to forty hours a week in the office, office chairs are prone to a great deal of wear and tear. Therefore, understanding the lifespan of a chair and how this can be optimised will ensure a good return on investment.

Furniture At Work offers a wide range of office chairs, including leather, mesh, fabric and executive chairs. 

When to Replace an Office Chair

Fabric Chairs 

Fabric chairs tend to be hardwearing and prove to be a good return on investment. The material copes well with daily use but can start to look aged quicker than some other types of chair. Upholstered fabric chairs can easily suffer tears and may start to look sunken in the middle. They are a durable choice, but if retaining that new appearance for as long as possible is crucial, it might be worth considering a different type of office chair. 

Leather Chairs 

Leather is a sturdy material that will last and retain its new appearance for longer. The lifespan of leather office chairs can also be extended by treating the leather regularly. Leather chairs that are well looked after could easily last for more than ten years. 

Top Tips for Looking After a Leather Chair

Mesh Chairs 

Mesh chairs have a sleek design and are incredibly lightweight, but they are not as durable as some other types of office chair. Mesh can start sagging quickly, and whilst there are durable mesh chairs available, this tends to come at the expense of comfort. 

How To Extend the Life of an Office Chair

Signs a Chair Needs Replacing 

One of the most telling signs that an office chair needs replacing is if it is showing obvious signs of damage, for example broken wheels or damaged components. If a chair is showing signs of damage, it is unlikely to be able to perform its usual functions, and it is time to look for a replacement. 

Over time, the seat cushion of an office chair will flatten and become less comfortable. Once this happens it is worth considering looking for a new office chair, as the cushion plays a crucial role in preventing back pain. 

Everyone is unique, and some chairs are just not comfortable for some people. This is a common complaint when people buy an old chair from a friend, or start a new job. Taking the time to pick out the ideal chair will provide a wealth of benefits in the long term. 

Tips for Setting Up Home Office Filing

Working from home is something that more and more people are doing on a regular basis. Therefore, keeping an optimum home office set up is important to ensure productivity levels are the same as in the office.  

As a starting point, this involves getting the right office furniture, but there is more to it than that. Taking the time to set up a home office filing system help home workers not to feel swamped by paperwork and documents.

The Benefits of a Home Office Filing System

Decide on a System 

Before getting started, consider the paperwork that needs storing and how you usually search for it. For example, if invoices need storing, consider how you would usually search for them. Searching by name would benefit from alphabetising, whereas searching by account number would benefit from numerical filing. 

Colour Coding 

Colour coding has been an office organisation tactic for decades. To start, sort paperwork into a select amount of categories – for example financial, contracts, or bills – and assign each category a colour. Coloured folders, labels and tape can all help workers to quickly assign a colour to a category. 

How to Digitise Filing

Schedule Organisation Time 

Even the best filing system will not stay organised on its own. Make sure to schedule in time once a week to file new documents and give the filing system a once over. Working on the system regularly and in small chunks is much more manageable than trying to file a lot of documents all at the same time. Setting up a recurring reminder can help you to stick to your schedule. 

Furniture 

The amount of paperwork that needs filing and the space in which to do it will determine the exact type of furniture that a home office will benefit from. Filing cabinets can help in offices with more space, but if space is at a premium, desk drawers might be a better choice. Furniture At Work offers a wide range of office furniture including drawers, filing cabinets and desks that can help maintain a tidy, organised office. 

Organising A Home Office Filing System