Design with Lasting Impact: Considerations for the Resilient Workplace

Design with Lasting Impact:
Considerations for the Resilient Workplace

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 1

Menasha Corporation

DESIGN WITH LASTING IMPACT

POST PANDEMIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE RESILIENT WORKPLACE

We know the workplace will never be the same. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are
unprecedented. So where do we go from here? Our goal is to provide support, guidance and leadership as you
transition back to your post-pandemic workplace.

Throughout this guide we reference back to our five key drivers of the engaged workplace:

SAFETY + SECURITY KNOWLEDGE SHARING
Personal comfort, security + acoustics Mobility, proximity, interaction + retreat

BRAND + IDENTITY TRUST + EMPOWERMENT
Experiential, display + personalization Variety, flexibility, choice + control

WELL-BEING
Access to nature, enclosure, amenities + support

OUR APPROACH
With the residual impact and the changing needs of the market environments we support − workplace, industrial,
learning, healthcare, science + technology, living and community − we continue to refine our approach, services and
solutions. With safety and well-being at the forefront of these industry sectors, we are researching, innovating and sharing
ideas on how we can deliver design solutions to support our clients’ unique and evolving needs.

Our design experts are asking probing questions to achieve desired flexibility, quantify capacities and assess
technologies that deliver forward-looking, high-performing design solutions. At EUA, we are passionate about what we
do. We believe that design has the ability to elevate people’s potential. Now, more than ever, our pace of innovation
remains ready to serve our clients.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 3

THIS GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

We gather in workplaces to foster productivity, collaboration and SHARED BUILDING SPACES 5
mentoring. Our team of experts has looked at elements of today’s Entry Vestibules 6
environments with an eye toward re-envisioning your facility to support Reception Areas 8
a work environment where people want to be together under a new Public Restrooms 10
normal in a safe and secure manner. This document walks through
policy and design considerations that have been developed to assist WORK SPACES 15
in rethinking the workplace. Our experts are available to discuss how Space + Circulation 16
your facility can be adapted to support a resilient workplace. Flexibility 17
Technology 18

For More Information Contact: AMENITY SPACES 19
Eric Romano, Workplace Studio Director, [email protected] Work Cafe 22
Heather Turner Loth, Business Development Practice Leader, [email protected] Wellness Spaces 25
Or Visit eua.com Fitness Facilities 26

For more resources on architecture, planning and interior design recommendations
related to post pandemic facility designs visit eua.com/covid19insights

4 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

Secura Insurance

one:

SHARED BUILDING SPACES

Shared building spaces are often the most visited, and create the first impression for your guests,
staff and clients. They often provide opportunities for companies to leverage branding and celebrate
their culture. To support safety and physiological well-being, these spaces should communicate clear
wayfinding for visitors and provide easy to understand protocols and social cues.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 5

ENTRY VESTIBULES

As we establish an entry sequence into a building, there are multiple factors to plan for and consider. Entry vestibules
serve as the first point of contact as employees and visitors enter a building, establishing cultural presence while
providing a sense of security.

How do we make guests and employees feel welcome and safe without
compromising security?

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
• Utilize smart building technologies such as facial scanners within the entry vestibule that can integrate into the

reception area and defined security locations.
• Create security procedures that incorporate flexibility and resiliency.
• Review employee and visitor entry and exit sequences, establishing strategies to separate paths as needed.

6 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

ENTRY VESTIBULES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

D EMPLOYEE ENTRY D VISITOR ENTRY
C
C
A A

E

B
AUP

Building Entry

A Incorporate touchless automatic door openers.
B Provide access control at interior doors and utilize intercom system inside vestibule to communicate with reception

or security desk.

C Create clear wayfinding and messaging at entrances to inform visitors of company procedures and policies.

D Create opportunities throughout the building for seperate employee and visitor entrance and exit sequences.

E Allow adequate space to incorporate technology solutions such as thermal scanner and facial recognition as our
global health climate fluctuates.

A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S [NOT PICTURED]
• Maintain flexibility of entrances and exits throughout the building; allow for complete shutdown of specific areas

as needed.

• Promote one-way traffic patterns throughout the building.

• Utilize mechanical systems that provide positive air circulation and filtering in vestibules to prevent infected air from
entering the building.

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RECEPTION AREAS

The concept of a reception space exists in most public building or work environments. It presents a company’s first
impression and serves as the place where a guest, visitor or client checks in, before entering the main workspace. This
zone, which often incorporates lounge style seating areas, introduces a comfortable environment for people to engage
and interact.

How can lobbies be improved to reduce the risk of infection?

Will our clients and guests understand established protocols and feel welcome?

How can we maintain a level of hospitality that reflects our brand and culture, while
providing a safe environment for guests?

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations
• Integrate a digital / touchless check in process.
• Provide reception kiosks.

8

RECEPTION AREAS

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

HD

I

F B
G
A
C E

A Locate desk to promote a direct approach for visitors to minimize contaminated surfaces.
B Deeper transaction surface to encourage further distance between staff and visitor.
C Utilize low wall air returns (similar to an operating room) at reception desks to remove contaminants from space.
D Provide multiple seating options for guests with ample circulation between.
E Provide space at the entrance for temporary PPE station and signage or conceal within reception desk design.
F Provide a guest restroom within the reception area separate from employee use.
G Provide space to house guest amenities such as automated beverage dispensers and personal storage lockers

that are easy to clean.
H Plan for display areas that can serve as a messaging tool for protocols.
I Integrate destination dispatch, foot activated or other touchless elevator call mechanisms.

A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S [NOT PICTURED]
• Physical distancing cues in floor or ceiling patterns.

• New reception desks should be designed so that if needed, two employees could work at the desk while physical
distancing is maintained.

• Utilize non-porous finishes / surfaces.

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PUBLIC RESTROOMS

Public restrooms are just that, public. This presents a global design challenge as we need to keep these spaces
available, private, clean and safe. Trying to keep these areas clean throughout the day while allowing the population
to utilize them has always been a priority that will continue in the future. Public restroom facilities can be considered
part of a building’s “Wellness Hub” by designing to varying levels of privacy vs. more traditional gender roles. Public vs.
Private zones will allow universal design to accommodate all employees.

How can we incorporate required building elements while keeping universal and
inclusive design, individual needs and safety at the forefront?

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
• Provide flexible and agile spaces with the ability to be compartmentalized and closed off.
• Incorporate all-gender design for efficiency with overall building space allocation, cleaning and use.
• Temporarily take fixtures offline when needed to provide adequate cleaning / lower quantity
• Provide a toilet room attendant to monitor quantity of people and ensure real-time sanitization.
• Install posted cleaning schedules / signage for proper employee education; clean rooms multiple times a day.
• Incorporate “smart building” plumbing fixtures to monitor and track restroom usage.

10 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

MEN A Private A
Public
E ENTER
D
B E C D
C EXIT
ENTER WOMAN CE
EXIT E
F
B G
G

EXIT

D

A ENTER

Separate A
All-Gender

•A Create a visually separate private entrance and exit to allow for adequate flow in toilet
rooms and to eliminate the need for doors. This layout fosters separate public and private
areas within restroom.

•B Provide doors swinging out in direction of exiting where space allows; or install foot levers to open doors for
hands-free operation.

•C Provide full height partitions and doors with occupancy light sensors / light indicators, using UV lighting when
possible for an added level of sanitation.

•D HVAC filter upgrades to comply with recommendations. Consider individual units in full height stalls to promote
and increase air flow.

•E Standardize facility with automatic and touchless plumbing fixtures and restroom accessories, and
antimicrobial hardware.

•F Integrate technology with occupancy sensors and light / indicators for stalls providing platform where users can see
occupancy status as well as posting cleaning times prior to going to these rooms.

G• Provide bleach compatible, durable finishes. If tile is desired use an epoxy or urethane non-porous grout.

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SPACE + CIRCULATION,
FLEXIBILITY, TECHNOLOGY

A successful work environment builds camaraderie and cultivates growth in an immeasurable way. Refocusing the purpose of
the physical environment on the unique individual employees physical and virtual needs will have a long-term impact on the
social climate of the workplace.

How do we design a space that can respond and adapt?
How can space be reevaluated to provide safety and security for years to come?
How can we leverage technology in the built environment to keep a distributed
workforce feeling connected, whether virtually or in person to support remote
collaboration and enhance communication?

12 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Safety + Cleanliness
• Establish a pandemic response team and lead by example.

• Establish occupancy strategies to support daily cleaning protocol.

• Implement scheduling technology to track the utilization of spaces in order to create an effective cleaning schedule.

• Outline daily cleaning requirements and minimize personal clutter.

• Assign wireless tools such as a keyboard, mouse and headset to reduce shared equipment.

Flexibility
• Survey employees to gain insight on use of the office space and consider implementing flex hours to accommodate

a work / life balance.

• Curate an environment of choice through a variety of flexible work settings based on employee feedback.

• Explore adoption of a free address strategy1 to allow for more flexibility in the workplace environment.

Distributed Work + Benefits
• Establish a remote work policy and set expectations for working hours and communication protocols.

• Implement remote workforce management training.

• Provide an allowance for home work spaces; potentially including a task chair, height adjustable work surface
and monitor arms.

• Provide additional benefits and amenities at the office so that the physical space is a destination for innovation

and collaboration. 1 Learn more about Free Address eua.com/FreeAddress

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1K4entwood Real Estate Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

American Family Insurance

two:

WORK SPACES

Work spaces are central to a company’s culture and will continue to serve as a hub for innovation
and collaboration, but with a virtual twist. While the pandemic has forced many to work from home,
we still see the physical workplace playing a vital role in fostering culture and providing a place for
innovation and connection among coworkers.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 15

WORK SPACES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

C E
B A

D

Space + Circulation
A With an increase in distributed work and a higher percentage of focus work happening in home offices, we see

a movement towards reallocating individually-assigned spaces to teams and flexible square footage.
B Compartmentalization of space provides retreats for those feeling uncomfortable in their environment. These

spaces are occupied by lower number of people and can be closed off for sanitation and safety.
C Increased circulation between work spaces, decreased density and adjusted seating orientation provides distance

and a sense of comfort for employees.
D To reduce central touch points, underutilized corridor space could be converted into distributed, smaller

work counter, supply and amenity spaces.
E Maintain camaraderie by creating spaces in the workplace that are customizable by employee or department

to promote individuals, share work and goals.

A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S [NOT PICTURED]
• Micro-environments or community-based zones that accommodate all types of work provide flexibility in the

future for teams to relocate and grow. These zones could be isolated and shut down individually to help reduce
cross-community contamination.
• Increase natural airflow where fresh air exchange and operable windows are possible.
• Consider adding restricted access team rooms in order to limit and track number of occupants.

16 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

WORK SPACES E
A
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
B
G

D
F
C

Flexibility

A Standard room modules can easily be transformed into different work-style settings as occupancy regulations change.
B Provide collaborative settings with mobile seating and tiered heights to accommodate varying levels of distance comfort.
C Provide mobile, furniture-based solutions that can be rearranged as workplace occupancy fluctuates with adjustable

screens and panel stacks for separation.
D Acoustic and visual privacy must be addressed with an increase of open teaming spaces; consider screens and

purposeful space dividers such as storage or greenery.
E Utilize nesting / collapsible / stacking furniture for flux in occupancy of larger meeting spaces.
F Provide lockers or mobile storage units to reduce personal clutter and support free address and cleaning protocol.
G Support a free address strategy with a variety of unassigned workspaces that can be reserved through a scheduling

app to accommodate a variable population.

A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S [NOT PICTURED]
• Establish a set of workspace typologies, providing employees access to a space that accommodates their task needs

for the day within their comfort level.

• Include rooms or enclaves that double function as a private office or a small meeting room, to flex as needs evolve.

• Consider operable partitions or space dividers for large training spaces that allow for flexibility in occupancy along
with furniture that can be nested, stacked and stored in a room nearby.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 17

WORK SPACES A

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

C

B
Technology

A Provide meeting space that accommodates virtual and physical presence. This might include motion or voice
activated screens for spontaneous collaboration. Participants who are not in the room should feel as if they are.

B Incorporate mobile display units in response to an increase of open meeting areas.
C Integrate touchless technology throughout the workspace such as wireless charging and voice or gesture control

(AV and lighting).

A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S [NOT PICTURED]
• Scheduling assistant apps and space sensors for tracking utilization.
• Leverage virtual break rooms and collaboration apps to enhance engagement.
• Utilize smart PPE / APP or wearables to map work zones and track touch-points.
• Consider telepresence robotics and virtual tours for interactive spaces such as customer experience centers.

18 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

Hy Cite Enterprises

three:

AMENITY SPACES

Amenity spaces are fundamental to building company culture within an organization and have
become important tools to help maximize employee well-being and productivity. We see these settings
continuing to play an integral role in an organization’s ability to attract, engage and retain employees
moving forward.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 19

AMENITY SPACES

Incorporating amenity spaces within a design safely and efficiently is critical. A combination of public and private
wellness-focused spaces provides essential social, physical, mental and emotional support throughout a building.

What amenities can be leveraged to encourage employees to come into
the workplace?
How can companies continue to provide important building amenities to their
employees while also maintaining a safe and clean environment?

20 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
• Present unique amenities not typically available at every home to promote work space collaboration: fitness, coffee

bar, social activities / spaces, community garden, outdoor activities, live music, food truck Friday, etc.

• Centralize a Wellness or Amenity Hub for core building elements; including Wellness and Mothers rooms.

• Provide a platform where users can see occupancy status prior to entering these rooms.

• Fitness center users sign up for equipment and have alloted timeframes to use machines; this helps with
employee tracking.

• Provide a variety of fitness training sessions to accommodate various comfort and skill levels.

• Hire a Fitness Center Supervisor to monitor the room, wipe down machines and sanitize the space and equipment
throughout the day.

• Provide outdoor fitness classes and incentives tailored to local climates and seasons throughout the year.

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WORK CAFE

Today’s work cafes have the potential to be so much more than just a place to grab a bite to eat. They provide inviting
settings for people to nourish, collaborate and take a break away from their desks. Applying insight from research
and extensive project experience with a wide variety of clients, we continually strive to design resilient and attractive
environments for people to do their best work.

How can the cafe space effectively support employee emotional and mental wellness
in addition to physical nourishment, for a holistic approach to well-being?
How can the interior architecture promote intentional space flow that generates
directional and anticipated circulation patterns?
How can the space encourage more continuous usage throughout the workday while
also preventing overcrowding at peak hours?

22 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Food service and vendors
• With single serve packaging consider suppliers who use compostable packaging paired with touchless trash

receptacles dedicated to collect compostable items, along with recycle bins.
• Provide individually wrapped compostable single-use cutlery and utensils.

Staff
• Provide food service staff with fresh / clean uniforms daily (at larger companies, a laundry service for this) as well

as changing rooms or locker areas near cafe and servery.
• Train staff for proper cleaning, hygiene, maintenance and protocols.
• Consider staggered schedule for food service staff: alternate weeks, or early vs late shift workers, for example.

Ordering and payment
• Implement software and mobile apps to pre-order electronically in lieu of in-person.
• Install food and drink service machines that are touchless or card reader type using ID badge connected to

employee accounts.

Display
• Consider the human factor of visual choice and connection to food. For example, include glass screens to allow

individuals to watch their meal being prepared while staying safely separated from food and staff.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 23

AMENITY SPACES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

A
A

B D
C E

D

UP

B

Work Cafe
A Include a storage room adjacent to dining spaces that can hold extra furniture when needed to create more open

space and circulation during high flu season or infectious disease spikes.
B Hand sanitizing stations built into casework for discreet but convenient access.
C Counter pick-up areas allowing ample space for queuing.
D Touchless water filling stations and beverage dispensers with touchless payment options.
E Mobile and modular furniture that allows reconfigurable seating and table arrangements for flexibility to

accommodate various group size needs throughout the year, such as high flu season when tables can be
separated with more space between.

A D D I T I O N A L D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S [NOT PICTURED]
• Control main circulation paths with architectural elements, visual and material cues designed integrally with the space.
• Detail material and texture transitions and plan macro graphics to define zones for separating groups.
• Specify innately antimicrobial and nonporous materials at dining surfaces and work surfaces, paired with proper

cleaning solutions and methods.
• Combine space strategies with strict cleaning protocols and operable windows where feasible.
• Plan flexible and mobile equipment and multi-use casework to allow conversion from full-service to self-service

capability and full capacity to partial capacity functionality.
Install visible spectrum lighting system to disinfect off-hours. www.Hubbell.Com/hubbelllightingcomponents/en/spectraclean

24 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

AMENITY SPACES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

B A
GB E

D
F

REF C

Wellness + Mother’s Room

A Implement room reservation applications to allow room scheduling similar to conference rooms and post outside
of door, creating a log of users in case an issue should arise and communication is needed.

B Consider non-porous bleach cleanable finishes for furniture and surfaces within reach.
C Standardize facility with automatic plumbing fixtures.
D Standardize facility with automatic toilet room accessories.
E Design as single occupant rooms, provide HVAC / filter upgrades to comply with CDC, WHO and local health

agency recommendations.
F Evaluate current authority suggestion on refrigerated storage. Provide flexible and adaptable signage to keep

employees informed of all policy changes.
G Provide UV cabinets, mobile units or wands for disinfecting furniture and equipment.

Design to elevate people’s potential | EUA 25

AMENITY SPACES

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A

C ENTER C

EXIT C C E
F C
C B
C CC
D

Fitness Facilities

A Create a separate entrance and exit into fitness centers to allow for adequate flow in.
B Space out equipment and take some off line through signage for adequate distancing.
C Locate and increase number of hand and equipment sanitizing stations throughout space.
D Provide operable windows with ability to have indoor and outdoor spaces for fresh air and ventilation, utilize

HVAC / filter upgrades to comply with recommendations.
E Standardize facility with automatic plumbing fixtures including hands free bottle fillers.
F Design with non-porous bleach cleanable finishes and furniture finishes.

26 Post Pandemic Workplace Design Considerations

Rockwell Automation Lobby

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Sheridan Ross

ERIC ROMANO HEATHER TURNER LOTH
Workplace Studio Director Business Development Practice Leader
[email protected] | 414.291.8115 [email protected] | 414.291.8143

333 E Chicago Street | Milwaukee, WI 53202 milwaukee : madison : denver eua.com