News●Renovations
2021 Post-Pandemic Renovation Trends For Commercial Spaces
August 18, 2021
The pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, and it’s also affected the ways in which companies are thinking about their commercial spaces. With alterations made to how organizations operate and do business, 2021 is seeing some significant new commercial renovation trends. If you want to create a safer and more practical work environment post-pandemic, here are some post-pandemic renovation trends you might want to consider.
Touchless Technology
Technology is improving constantly, and these days, touchless technology is almost everywhere. It’s practical and cool to use, but it’s also a great choice for a post-pandemic commercial renovation. Why? Because it helps to create a healthier environment in their restrooms. Touchless technology has now gained traction in other parts of the building-including doors, elevators, and even coffee makers.
Even though it’s pricey, buildings require less maintenance with touchless tech. It also helps to improve your business operations, keep environments as clean as possible, and prevent injuries.
Collaborative Workspaces
Over the last few years, collaborative spaces have been on the rise, primarily because of their ability to help improve company connection and culture. Post-pandemic, this has become an even more important consideration for many companies, since bolstering culture within an organization is of prime concern at the moment. Collaborative workspaces and conference rooms are now becoming more popular than more conventional office layouts. If you remove cubicles and scatter privacy booths throughout the public space, you can achieve both of these things while also enhancing individual workstations.
Adjustments to Floor Plans
Even before Covid-19 hit, many companies were moving more towards remote or hybrid work than they were in a completely in-office environment. Fast forward to 2021, and that’s more apparent than ever. Remote or hybrid work is the new normal, which means that many companies are realizing they no longer need masses of office space. You can save a lot of money by reducing the size of an office floor plan to make up for the fact that many employees are now working from home. Now, it’s more popular for businesses to reimagine their floor plans, even subdividing and leasing out unused space.
HVAC Investments
Following an outbreak of a dangerous virus, perhaps nothing becomes more apparent than the need for cleanliness and care for the health of others in public or commercial spaces. It’s critical to maintain a healthy building environment and clean indoor air by introducing fresh air into your office building. Today, more than ever, companies are concerned with air circulation and filtration.
Employees want to know that the air they’re breathing while at work is fresh, clean, and isn’t going to make them sick. HVAC upgrades that promote health and wellness in both commercial and private spaces are an upgrade that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Using Safer Materials
In 2021, commercial renovation trends are beginning to see a heavy focus on materials that inherently eliminate germs in high-traffic areas where people are naturally more prone to exposure. Surfaces like plastic and stainless steel allow viruses to live for up to three days, which is just asking for people to get sick. Copper, brass, and bronze, however, only allow viruses to live for up to 4 hours. Cork is also a great safe material to consider since it has anti-bacterial properties.
Flooring shouldn’t be forgotten either. Hardwood floors are a much better option than carpets since they’re easy to clean and don’t hold on to dirt and grime. Using antibacterial materials, limiting the amount of furniture available for multiple people to use, and introducing seamless surfaces without cracks and divots to hold dirt are all fantastic ideas. Essentially, simple, straightforward designs are ideal for clean environments.
Bathroom Updates
There’s never been a bigger emphasis on cleanliness in public spaces than now, and bathrooms are one room that absolutely needs to be kept as clean as possible. The importance of sanitary bathrooms has increased drastically after battling a global pandemic. This means changing toilets and faucets to touchless options, which helps people to avoid using dirty contact surfaces that can easily cause illness.
After battling a global pandemic, the reopening of businesses is something that has been long-awaited. Even though the majority of us are just happy to be back at work and have companies opening up again, changes to office and commercial environments that make them safer should not be overlooked.
Looking to renovate your commercial space? Schedule your free commercial consultation today!