The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on businesses and workplaces around the world, ranging from access to resources, supply chain issues, space planning and more. For many companies, this means that it’s time to rethink and readjust the physical spaces that are our offices and workplaces. In light of the new normal ushered in by this pandemic, here are 8 post-pandemic commercial renovation ideas designed to help give your business or office space an updated look while improving functionality and efficiency in our post-pandemic environment. Let's take a closer look!
With more employees working remotely, there’s no longer a need to have large desks or cubicles taking up precious space. Instead of opting for the traditional fixed furniture, experiment with mobile and adjustable pieces that can be easily shifted from one area to another depending on your needs. Additionally, by investing in mobile and flexible furniture, you can create a more dynamic and versatile workspace that can adapt to the changing needs of your business. This can be particularly useful in shared spaces or meeting rooms where employees need to collaborate on projects or work on different tasks throughout the day. In addition, mobile furniture can be a cost-effective solution as it allows you to repurpose existing pieces rather than purchasing new ones. You can also consider investing in furniture that is easy to clean and disinfect to help maintain a hygienic and healthy work environment for your team.
Collaboration and relaxation spaces can be essential for promoting productivity and employee wellbeing. In post-pandemic office design, creating dedicated spaces for collaboration and relaxation can help employees feel more engaged, creative, and energized. Consider renovating your office to include shared spaces such as lounge areas, game rooms, a meditation studio or prayer space, or even outdoor spaces where employees can unwind and easily socialize. These spaces can also be designed to encourage collaboration and brainstorming, with comfortable seating, ideaboards, and other tools to facilitate communication and idea-sharing. By incorporating these spaces into your office design, you can create a more dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters both productivity and employee satisfaction.
In order to minimize contact, consider having your general contractor install touchless technology such as foot-operated door openers, touchless faucets, and motion activated lights. This will help reduce the amount of surfaces that need to be regularly cleaned and disinfected,and will help ensure a safer environment for employees. From a renovation perspective, investing in these types of technologies is relatively inexpensive, but can make a world of difference.
In addition to foot-operated door openers or motion activated lights, there are also a variety of other touchless technologies that you can consider installing during your commercial renovation. For instance, touchless soap dispensers, hand dryers, and water faucets can all help reduce the spread of germs and promote hygiene in the workplace. Similarly, voice-activated assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant, can be integrated into your office space to allow for hands-free control of lighting, temperature, and other devices. These types of technologies not only reduce the risk of viral transmission but also create a more seamless and efficient work environment. By incorporating touchless technologies into your renovation plan, you can help ensure the safety of your employees and create a workspace that is both modern and functional.
With many countries seeing a resurgence in cases, it’s important for businesses to prioritize ventilation and air quality. Investing in modern and upgraded HVAC systems can help reduce the spread of airborne viruses. Additionally, consider including enhanced HEPA-style air filtration systems in your unit’s HVAC system, or in strategic areas of your workplace. A professional Commercial Renovations contractor will help you navigate the best options for your business or workplace.
The use of natural elements such as a greenwall or indoor plants, and sun-lit windows can help create a more positive and productive atmosphere. Not only will this brighten up the space, but studies have also shown that being around nature will help reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity and well-being. Incorporating some green into your workplace is also a great way to improve air quality and reduce toxins in the environment. In terms of what this means for your contractor who may be renovating or building your commercial space, this could involve installing more windows or skylights, adding an indoor green wall with irrigation line, or perhaps planting some exterior trees around the building that could also be visible from indoors.
Another way to incorporate natural elements into your commercial renovation is to also consider using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This not only benefits the environment but can also improve the overall health and well-being of your employees. Using materials such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood can create a warm and inviting atmosphere while also reducing your carbon footprint, and reducing harmful off gassing of new construction materials.
Additionally, consider investing in energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems to reduce your energy consumption and costs. This not only helps the environment but can also provide long-term cost savings for your business. By prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly materials and systems during your commercial renovation, you can create a workspace that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
Ergonomic furniture is designed to provide optimal comfort and support to the human body, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues that can arise from prolonged sitting or standing. With many employees now working from home or spending long hours at their desks, investing in ergonomic furniture during your commercial renovation is a smart and practical choice. Ergonomic chairs, desks, and accessories such as monitor arms and keyboard trays can help improve posture, reduce strain on the eyes, neck, and back, and increase productivity and focus. When working with your interior designer or commercial general contractor, be sure to discuss incorporating ergonomic furniture into your office plan. This can include height-adjustable desks, comfortable seating with lumbar support, and task lighting to reduce eye strain. By prioritizing ergonomics during your renovation, you can create a workspace that is both functional and supportive of your employees' health and well-being.
Another commercial renovation idea is to consider installing floor-to-ceiling windows or adding skylights to help maximize the amount of natural light in the office, which can improve employee well-being, productivity and mood. Additionally, it is beneficial to orient desks and cubicles towards the window in order to reduce eye strain caused by artificial lighting. This could require your contractor to relocate certain walls or windows, or add more where possible. If it is not possible to incorporate natural light into the space, consider investing in full-spectrum LED lighting which can replicate many of the benefits of sunlight, as opposed to typical LED or fluorescent lighting systems.
In order for employees to concentrate and be productive, it is important to reduce the amount of ambient noise and loud background sounds in the workplace. Investing in acoustic materials such as soundproof ceiling tiles or acoustic wall panels can help absorb and dampen any unwanted noise which could be distracting. From a renovation perspective, your contractor may need to install soundproof insulation, or a layered drywall construction to effectively reduce noise levels and sound transfer. Additionally, they can also incorporate acoustic ceiling tiles, or other sound insulation materials in order to optimize the sound environment of your workplace. sound control
In conclusion, there are many renovation ideas that can help create a healthier, more holistic and ultimately more productive workplace for your team. From investing in modern technologies such as air purifiers to sound reduction materials, there are many ways to improve your office, business or workplace for your employees and customers. A professional commercial renovations contractor can provide insight on the best way to incorporate these ideas into your existing building structure. With the help of an experienced and professional general contractor, you can transform your office into a modern and efficient workspace that is guaranteed to boost productivity levels, efficiency and work culture.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! Hopefully it has helped give you some useful insights when considering a commercial renovation or office upgrade.
At Odera Construction, we pride ourselves on being a mindful construction company that prioritizes professionalism, excellence, and transparency. Our goal is to ensure our clients’ build or renovation is as positive an experience as possible.
If you are looking for a general contractor for an upcoming commercial renovation, retail construction project or office upgrade, it would be our pleasure to help. Our team is based in Oakville and serves the Greater Toronto Area, including but not limited to Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Etobicoke and Toronto. You can check us out online to learn more about our services or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation: Contact us today, and we would be happy to help! You can also check out our resource pages below for more information on our services.
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