August 17, 2022
When will California state workers go back to work? It is a question that concerns many people. Workers across the state, including those at major companies like PlayStation in San Diego, switched to remote work during the pandemic.
We don’t need to tell you that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on businesses in California. In fact, at its peak, the pandemic was particularly responsible for more than 35% of all U.S. workers switching to remote work instead of going to the office.
While it’s true that mandatory quarantines and social distancing are beginning to ease, businesses are still feeling the turmoil that has arisen in the wake of COVID-19. Today, companies are beginning to make an effort to restructure their operations in an effort to find their way back to the ‘new normal’. One such effort is approaching the prospect of employees returning to the office after working from home.
As it paved the way for returning to the office after working from home, COVID-19 left many landmines in the wake of its grueling path, thwarting the average company’s way of conducting business as usual. For example, many employees who have been relegated to working from home have expressed complaints and concerns about returning to work in an in-office environment. As a result, employers try to make concessions to appease and retain employees while reviving corporate culture.
In addition to negotiating the migration of employees to work in the office, companies are also struggling to build new office spaces. The challenge is to create offices that promote productivity while still being safe and yet inviting for employees returning to the office after working from home.
With these factors in mind, here are a few suggestions to consider when moving your remote business back to a physical office environment in California.
California Remote Worker Laws
Before we talk about getting everyone back to the office, a note about remote worker legislation in California. While you may want to consult with your company’s legal counsel, it’s important to remember that remote workers in California are protected by the same rights as they would if they were working in person. In other words, you cannot treat them as independent contractors. Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about the fun process of getting your team back to the office!
Set the right lighting
Lighting is a grossly underestimated aspect in corporate offices. Too much light can cause shocking glare, potentially leading to tension headaches in workers. Too little light can lead to eyestrain or low productivity.
It is clear that lighting has a major impact on employee morale and well-being. That’s why it’s important to hit just the right shade, as delivered by Lume Cube’s best-selling Edge Light, which displays a perfect spectrum of lighting across workstations, promoting productivity and balanced light.
You can also opt for specialized lighting for video conferencing sessions. This is because while your employees go back to the office after working from home, not everyone is – so there is still a need for crystal clear lighting during video meetings and chats.
Consider different office layouts
As mentioned, pandemic restrictions may have eased in recent months, but there’s no guarantee we’re all out of trouble. Employers should put this at the forefront of their plans when designing new office layouts. To explain, it’s a good idea to lean on an open floor plan that allows for the “two-foot rule” of social distancing. This precaution can help you avoid having to redecorate the entire office in the event that COVID-19 resurfaces.
While an open and flowing floor plan is ideal, it’s not always an option for every California business. Traditional booth floor plans can still work well for your employees returning to the office after working from home. Keep in mind that these employees are probably used to a more flexible work environment. Therefore, consider glass walls instead of plastic or metal cabinets. The translucent feature of glass gives a more airy and illuminating atmosphere than the secluded, closet-like cubicles can convey.
In short, you don’t need to know how to design an office to provide employees returning to work with a functional, healthy and welcoming atmosphere. Just keep in mind your employee’s need for flexibility and also design with an eye that boosts morale and esprit de corps in the workplace.
Buy office-friendly equipment
Your new office may look sublime, but if it’s not equipped with reliable, functional equipment, it isn’t worth much in terms of employee productivity. Therefore, when designing your office, keep office equipment in mind when working with a floor plan. Remember that empty office space fills up quickly when you start moving essential items you need, such as desks, chairs, conference tables and comfortable pieces for staff breaks or lounge areas.
Apart from the essentials such as desks and chairs, you also need to purchase crucial equipment such as telephones, copiers and computer equipment including routers, servers and computer printers. While this may seem overwhelming, you can make the process easier by installing shelving and cabinets to keep everything organized. Also think about organizing stations to keep loose wires and cords neat, tidy and tucked away to avoid messy wires or tripping over power cords in the office.
Create a safe work environment
Perhaps the most important aspect of employees returning to the office after working from home is safety. Your company and its employees need all the assurance that they are working in a safe environment. In addition, your company must protect its assets from potential security breaches.
You can create a secure work environment for the office by establishing clear protocols for password changes for accounts and email. Also make sure that your intranet/internet, wireless connection, servers and databases are fully protected against the risk of cyber attacks.
Protecting your office technology from hacks should be a top priority. It’s also a tricky aspect of having a fully functional office because there are so many details to tackle. That’s why it’s best to rely on professional security consulting services that can ensure your digital assets and technology are equipped with the ultimate defense against threats. A security service can cover all your security needs, so you and your employees can rest assured that everything is rock solid and secure.
Advantages and disadvantages of renting or buying an office space in California
Finally, there is the ever-important issue of whether you should rent or buy office space when your company and employees return to work. The choice to rent vs own office space depends on many variables. The most important factors to consider are business budget, space requirements and location.
There are pros and cons to each option. For example, if you own office space, you are dependent on fixed monthly payments such as a fixed mortgage. Your business can also take advantage of tax deductions when owning. Additionally, if the building has enough space, you may be able to earn additional income by renting space to other California businesses. Alternatively, owning office space can keep you “keeping the bag at the ready” if your business closes again, as many businesses do during the pandemic. Owning can also be an expensive affair, especially in California, with a lot of upfront costs and down payments. This can be financially challenging especially if your business is just getting back on its feet.
On the other hand, renting can provide much more financial flexibility. You can use that money for other crucial aspects of setting up and running your business. Renting also offers flexibility by allowing your company to get out of the lease if a better office comes along or if the effort to get back to work goes awry. Still, renting will never give your business the equity it would have had the building owned. In addition, there is always the risk of rent increases and additional costs when renting an office.
Conclusion
Finally, going back to the office after working from home won’t always be a walk in the park. However, when you have a solid strategy and prepare for unforeseen circumstances, the journey back to “the new normal” should be a lot smoother. Plus, we hope these tips for moving your remote business into the office will be helpful as you begin this new chapter in your company’s history.
0 Comments