As many of us gradually return to the office with guidelines in place, we hope this information serves as a look toward the future. Our team at HON is here to support you through the transitions and help you look forward to productive collaboration in all forms.

The workplace environment may be different, but it doesn’t have to be confusing.

As businesses across the country begin to welcome employees back to the office or finalize remote-work plans, a number of challenges have arisen.

How do we stay connected?

How do we remain productive?

How do we keep everyone safe, and give them peace of mind?

We’ve heard those concerns, and we’ve been hard at work formulating action plans for each of them, so you can proactively address and solve any problems that come your way.

HON has developed a few dedicated programs that speak to the considerations of returning to work during the pandemic: a Healthy Workplace initiative, Work From Home solutions and Easy-Clean fabrics and surfaces that put safety and sanitization at the top of the priorities list.

At the same time, the products that apply to each program contribute to a better workplace environment.

When your employees return to the office—or if they’re continuing at home, or managing time at both locations—it’s important to make sure they have what they need to be happy, healthy and productive.

A New Frontier for the Workplace

For those making their way back into the office, the safety and sanitization of the workplace is top of mind.

You’ll be required to clean and sanitize the office more regularly than before, and the material of your office furniture matters now more than ever. Employees’ space division and privacy are a major consideration in the new office, and additionally, it’s about how easy to clean those workspaces are.

Customers are asking about screens, panels and other products that help create defined spaces for their teams.

“It’s about creating separation and space division with the physical product. Realistically, we want people to think about space in conference rooms, removing the extra chairs, adding ancillary products like hand sanitizer stations, PPE stands if your workplace has them,” said Bailey Schober, Associate Marketing Manager, Products & Promotions at The HON Company.

“Those are easy fixes. We’re also releasing acrylic screens that are easily cleanable and foot-door holds, so you don’t have to touch the doors when you leave.”

Other popular products for a healthy workplace are metal universal screens, gallery panels that attach to workstations and create a higher divide between desks, and stackable glass dividers.

How to Be More Productive at Home

Not everyone is headed back to the office.

Many businesses are implementing permanent or hybrid remote-work policies, offering employees flexibility to work where they choose.

But while working from home sounds like the ideal setup, it’s not without its challenges. Furniture is chief among them; our sofas and armchairs aren’t meant for prolonged sitting and our kitchen tables or counters aren’t exactly built for work.

The HON team has developed work-from-home solutions that fit any budget, whether you’re looking for a new desk chair or creating an entirely new workspace at home.

“Common-use dining chairs aren’t made for long sitting and they’re not comfortable to be in all day,” Schober said. “We have several chair options like Convergence, Solve and Ignition and our desk options are plentiful, too.

“If you have a kitchen counter and need a sit-to-stand option, the Coordinate desktop riser is basic but functional. There’s also a height-adjustable full desk in the Coordinate style.”

One trend we’re keeping an eye on is employee stipends; as more people work from home and it becomes the norm, many companies are now offering their workers a set amount to spend on home office furniture.

If that applies to you or your company, our team of experts at HON can help discuss these new corporate standards and find solutions that fit you best.

How to Be Safe, Sanitary and Prepared

These aren’t normal times. They’re new (and different) times.

Because of that, employers and employees need to be willing to express their thoughts, feelings and opinions as the situation evolves.

While safety protocols, sanitization stations and ergonomically designed furniture are all important, nothing supersedes the value and impact of communication.

Regulations and recommendations regarding face coverings, traffic flow in the office, maximum capacity in certain rooms and more should be discussed up front before your facility reopens.

An informed workforce is a more prepared workforce.

“Companies are doing a good job of mentally preparing their employees to return, whether that’s communicating the specific guidelines or just making them aware of what needs to be done,” Schober said.

“Openly communicating about what the workplace will be like is so important. It’s not going to be the same, but it’s going to be for the better.”

If you’re interested in learning more about HON’s return-to-office products and solutions, or would like to speak with our team for additional insight and information, please visit hon.com.