For some people, home working still isn’t conducive to being productive. Others might want a break from their children, and for some its simply about physically collaborating with colleagues again. Whatever the reasons, we’ve put together our tips to make the transition back to the office that little bit easier:

• COVID-19-proof your office

Your top priority should be to ensure a safe environment for employees to return to. The government has published guidance for all types of workspaces here. Complete a risk assessment to ensure that risk of transmission is minimal and ensure that your staff feel comfortable to return.

• Respect individual preferences

Returning to the office shouldn’t be mandatory; don’t force anyone back to the office who doesn’t want to go yet. Microsoft 365 as the heart of our IT system, so working in the office is no different to working from home when it comes to collaboration. Ensure that you allow and respect each person’s decisions and keep in mind that, with the right IT solution, home or office makes no difference to productivity and communication for many businesses.

• Maintain social distancing

Everyone should adhere to the social distancing rules in the workplace, which might mean some changes! Some practices to consider implementing include:

• Using ‘back-to-back’ or ‘side-to-side’ seating arrangements.
• Adding screens or barriers to separate people from each other.
• Establishing an “office rota” to minimise the number of people each person has contact with (publishing this on SharePoint or Yammer allows everyone to see it).
• Staggering start and finish times to avoid crowding in the doorways.
• Continuing to use Microsoft Teams for meetings. If meetings do occur in person, maintain at least 2m distance, or even “meet & walk” outside.
• Increasing the availability of hand sanitiser and the frequency of surface cleaning, particularly in a shared kitchen.