News

GETTING PEOPLE BACK INTO OFFICES: A BUREAU VERITAS GUIDE

May. 16 2023

The debate about hybrid working continues, but for the facilities manager sector in particular, it is vital to facilitate a smooth return to office working and get people back into large commercial premises.

Clearly the working model landscape has changed since the outbreak of the global pandemic, but this doesn’t mean the end for office-based employees. Far from it. In one global study by Travelperk, only 9% of employees say their company will go fully remote in 2023 – with 87% choosing to work hybrid or office-first.

only 9%of employees say their company will go fully remote in 2023
with 87%choosing to work hybrid or office-first
however 63%claim companies have not made significant changes to workplaces to adapt
Alex
Brown

Head of Facilities Management

Bureau Veritas

There are a range of services and solutions available to help employees meet their obligations in providing a safe, accessible workplace for all employees. We’re working closely with facilities management providers to help achieve their goals and it’s becoming an increasingly important topic, particularly since the shift in working patterns since the pandemic.

Meeting your obligations

If you are supporting employees to return to the office, either from COVID-19 restrictions or from other workplace absences, there are a number of assessments and initiatives you can take to support them. These include:

  • Workplace assessments: From DSE (Display Screen Equipment) and workstation safety assessments, to indoor air quality and enhanced assessments for specific environments, employers have an obligation to maintain the safety of their employees in the workplace. Remote DSE and workstation assessments can also be undertaken for hybrid workers in their home or remote working environment.
  • Accessibility surveys: Under the Equality Act 2010 (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act 1995), it is important to establish if the facilities provided to employees are accessible to them. Accessibility surveys help to establish access and ease of use for individuals, covering people with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments.
  • D&I strategy: Bureau Veritas has also worked with employers to help shape, inform and enhance Diversity & Inclusion strategies, within which accessibility should be included. This is an important consideration for any responsible employer.

For more information about our services contact the Bureau Veritas team or call us on 0345 600 1828