To Return to Work, or Not to Return to Work: That is the Question

It is said that much of Shakespeare’s writings occurred while in quarantine during a pandemic. The question then on his mind was “to be or not to be”. Fast-forward to 2021, the question at hand is “return to work or “not to return to work”. Organizations are asking themselves this question as they are faced with the decision to have employees return to work soon. There are so many things to consider, and it is daunting. But fear not! 

The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits-all solution for organizations. Start by considering the questions you and your colleagues may need to ask yourself when making a decision.

What to take into account when redesigning the workspace?

• Start by reviewing the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.
• Check out current/local Covid guidelines and regulations in your area.
• Review space planning of the office to allow for required social distancing.
• Ensure that your HVAC systems are functioning correctly. Review guidance provided in ASHRAE Standard 180-2018, Standard Practice for the Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems.
• Consider the high touch point areas and common spaces in the workspace.
  • Increase sanitization stations in these areas. Check out the Guide for Cleaning and Disinfecting.
• Re-evaluate how you will address shared workspaces.
  • Require that workstations are sanitized in-between shift changes.
  • Educate employees on how to adjust a shared workspace to include ergonomic principles.

What will be the impact on ergonomics?

• Improve or develop your ergonomic program to include the hybrid working model and each employee having multiple workstations and working in collaborative spaces.
• Will you outfit the employee's home office and onsite workstation with peripheral ergonomic equipment? Or will they have a set they bring with them to both places?
  • Keyboard
  • Monitor
  • Pointing devices
• With less office socializing because of social distancing encourage employees to incorporate micro-breaks into their daily routines.

How will you address traveling ergonomics?

• Consider supplying employees with travel-friendly equipment to use in touch-down areas.
  • A laptop stand to raise the laptop screen to eye height.
  • Travel keyboard to allow for employees to type comfortably and in a neutral position.
  • Travel mouse to promote a neutral wrist position and full arm movement.
  • Laptop carrying/rolling bag for convenient transportation of all the ergonomic travel equipment.
  • Travel headset (optional).

So, let's address the question that is on everyone's minds "do U.S employees even want to return to work?" The answer is that most employees would prefer the best of both worlds. This is referred to as "hybrid working" because it will allow employees to work from home and at the office occasionally. Most employees would like to have the option to come into the office 1-2 days a week or 3-4 days a week. A small percentage of employees opted to work from home entirely, and some employees want to work from the office full-time. Overall, employees would like to have the flexibility to work onsite.  

And just in case you missed stats because sports were postponed in 2020, here are the actual stats:

52% of U.S employee want a hybrid model

19% want to work full-time at home

29% want to work full time in office

28% would like to work 1-2 days in office

24% would like to work 3-4 days in office

The answer to the question "to return to work, or not to return to work " is yes. Employees miss the office, and they would like to return to the office. Based on feedback from U.S. workers, the preferred return to work style will be a hybrid model. Businesses will need to consider the topics laid out in detail in this blog.

Source: Gensler U.S  Work from Home Survey 2020