As jurisdictions around the world have begun the tricky process of reopening their economies — all while hoping to avoid a resurgence of coronavirus in the process — a survey by CBRE has found that most companies are taking a cautious approach.
The survey included 203 large companies across the globe, spanning 4.2 billion square feet of office, industrial, retail and other kinds of workspace, and over 38 million workers. Of those companies, 72 percent said they planned to reopen in phases, “with defined percentages or groups of employees admitted over weeks or months.” Just over half of those surveyed said they would give employees the option to work from home “for the foreseeable future.”
“Our analysis of our clients’ return-to-work strategies shows that virtually all are engaged in detailed planning to ensure a careful and reasoned approach,” CBRE’s global lead for clients’ Covid-19 response, Karen Ellzey, said in a press release.
Other widespread strategies included the installation of signage, floor decals and other reminders in the workplace to promote social distancing, in conjunction with the establishment of space-use policies. A significant portion of the surveyed companies said they would introduce requirements for health screenings and face coverings in the workplace, though these measures were somewhat less common.
Workplace reopening strategies
| Reopening strategy | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Follow guidance from local governments and health agencies on social distancing | 45% |
| Set own global social distancing standard that may exceed local guidance | 34% |
| Provide face coverings for employees | 59% |
| Require face coverings at all times at any company property | 28% |
| Require masks only at company facilities where mandated by local guidelines | 42% |
| Allow visitors to the workplace in the early phases of reopening | 21% |
| Require off-site self-screening for Covid-19 symptoms by employees before they arrive at the workplace | 45% |
| Conduct screening of employees on-site at every facility | 13% |
| Reopen as soon as government restrictions are lifted | 20% |
| Reopen after internal standards are met | 42% |
| Conduct phased reopening with defined percentages or groups of employees admitted over weeks or months | 72% |
| Give employees the option to work from home for the foreseeable future | 52% |
| Install signage | 82% |
| Establish space-use policies and guidelines for social distancing | 78% |
| Outline social-distancing zones with floor decals and other reminders | 74% |
| Reconfigure furniture layouts | 61% |
SOURCE: CBRE survey