Supporting employees through the office transition for the new normal

08 Feb 2021

As the world continues to adapt to the ‘new normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses mustn’t forget the role an office plays.

News

With the recent hard lockdown resulting in many Western Australians going back to a working from home arrangement for a short period, the transition back to an office environment can once again become a lethargic and cumbersome logistics process for many businesses. However, the importance of this transition cannot be understated. Read more below.

Supporting employees through the office transition for the new normal

As the world continues to adapt to the ‘new normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses mustn’t forget the role an office plays. The benefits of having a centralised office are endless — from creativity to productivity, a physical office space provides businesses with endless opportunities to engage employees.

However, facilitating the transition back to the office can see businesses facing roadblocks brought on by employee hesitance, a natural feeling for anyone returning to a workplace after a worldwide pandemic. So, how can businesses support employees through this transition?

Central Park’s General Manager, Tim Ward, said that there are a number of ways that offices can make this transition easier and it all starts with communicating key changes such as health and safety regulations.

“We know that offices provide an environment that enhances productivity, positively impacting employee morale by creating a collaborative hub where ideas and innovation can thrive,” Tim said.

“While some employees may feel unsure about venturing back to the workplace, businesses can assist with reassuring employees that the office space embraces the introduction of new procedures to reflect the current workplace environment, providing a safe place for people to work.”

“At Central Park, we implemented COVID-19 safety procedures in accordance with guidelines from the WA Government, as well as additional health and safety measures – including increased cleaning protocols throughout the building, hand sanitising stations across the lobby, as well as providing facemasks to our team. We have also offered a number of ‘back to work’ perks for tenants, including vouchers for our food retailers, and entertainment in the park.”

“Home to a range of international organisations – who each have different workplace policies and procedures – Central Park sees it as an imperative that we provide an adaptable environment to accommodate all of our tenants. Tenants have access to our conference centre, business pods and lounges in the lobby - which provide adequate distance to safely conduct business, and the opportunity to modify their office space based on individual company needs.”

“Clear communication is a key part of reassuring tenants and their employees. We have ensured that we are regularly communicating with tenants, sharing changes to the building, updates from the Government, and how the Central Park team can support tenants.”

For enquiries about leasing at Central Park, please contact Roly Egerton-Warburton at roly.ew@sheffieldproperty.com.au or Nick Van Helden at nick.vanhelden@ap.jll.com