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We all know it’s been a tough year for students and teachers, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Maybe you’ve already welcomed students back to class, or you’re preparing to; either way, now is a great time to evaluate your environment for not only enhanced safety but also productive learning. At HON, we’ve worked hard to help you deliver on both through functional furniture in cheerful colors and smart setups.
So what do you need for a successful transition into the post–COVID-19 era? Let’s build a road map for a learning space that’s both safe and impactful for students.
With teachers and students back in the building, foot traffic is an inevitability.
As classrooms and schools near full capacity for in-person learning, the cleanability of surfaces and materials is an important concern.
The CDC recommends regular cleaning and sanitization of surfaces “that are routinely touched or shared between students,” and discourages use of materials that aren’t easy to disinfect.
We can help you furnish your spaces with a comprehensive product offering to support students, teachers and staff, as well as the community, with hand sanitizer and PPE stands, cleanable finishes and the ability to deliver furniture to schools in days (not weeks).
As students come in and out of the classroom, change locations or workstations, or use high-touch areas, materials play a role in keeping everyone safe.
Sometimes, harsh cleaners are necessary for multiple surfaces, and products like our Build™️ series can be customized with durable, easily-cleaned surfaces that can withstand frequent sanitization.
Our advice: start your plan by choosing the surfaces and materials you need, then think about furniture style and design.
“It’s about ease of use and cleanability first,” said John Schwind, senior textiles engineer for HNI. “Think about your staff’s needs first and then design the space around your protocol, so that you’re not working backward the rest of the way.”
When ordering HON products, you can select consistent materials and finishes, so cleaning and sanitization are easier to accomplish.
Our furniture is not only easily cleaned, but also it’s durable enough to stand up to wear caused by heavy use.
“In education, you’re going to have high impact and high wear, and we’re always talking with customers about products that can hold up against this wear over time,” Schwind said. “People want to have confidence that whether it’s spills, stains, markers or general use, the material in their space will be able to withstand high impact.”
A pro tip from us: your surfaces and materials should be consistent and have the same requirements for durability and cleanability. Whether it’s upholstered products or plastics, those standards should be the same across the board.
Another consideration: the need for versatile workspaces in which students can come together—or work individually.
For this purpose, we recommend Makerspace pieces from HON’s Build collection. These tables and stools encourage creativity and adaptability, while supporting collaboration and social interaction in compliance with the CDC recommendation of 3-6 feet of space. They also create personal space for focused study time.
SmartLink storage is a great option—and it’s not just for storage! This collection of lightweight and mobile desks, chairs, storage and presentation tools is easy to arrange and rearrange, keeping active minds and bodies fully engaged. SmartLink gives students the space to gather safely and maintain social distance per CDC guidelines.
If you’re worried that safe materials are going to look bland, we understand. That’s why we’ve worked to design easy-clean textiles that have aesthetic appeal. No one wants a cold or unwelcoming classroom, or a space that’s not energizing and fun.
Stimulating colors and patterns are proven to be beneficial to learning, and you won’t have to sacrifice looks for function when you order from HON.
“When you think about cleanability, your mind immediately goes to a coated-type textile,” said Kandice Tjebkes, HNI’s Director of Colors, Materials and Finishes. “We have beautiful woven textiles. The design doesn’t have to be cold and sterile-looking, as woven textiles bring warmth and character into the space.”
The latest SmartLink products, introduced in January 2020, are a great fit: they’re available for customization with bright, bold colors and enhanced finishes.
It’s a win-win-win for safety, style and longevity.
To learn more about HON’s comprehensive offering of products for the classroom environment, please visit hon.com.
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