COVID-19: Back to the workplace

COVID-19: Back to the workplace

Covid-19 Back to the workplace

So can we start work again?

The Coronavirus Covid-19 lock down of the last few months was designed to minimise the risk of the virus overwhelming the NHS, we were told to stay home and stay safe. Now most of us have had enough of "stay at home" and are looking forward to returning to the workplace - but we still need to stay safe. Of course, a few might have been happy with an enforced leave of absence from work but for most of us the end of lockdown can't come too soon. In fact, it's reported that the lockdown has for some resulted in depression or impacted their mental health.

Thankfully we are slowly returning to the workplace despite the dreadful Coronavirus Covid-19 being still with us.  

In the construction industry we face particular challenges we need to be aware of and take pragmatic steps to help us get back to work safely. 

What are the signs and symptoms of covid 19 ?

The common symptoms of Coronavirus Covid-19 can be very like those of many other cold and flu viruses - e.g. coughing and sneezing, sore throat, headache. This makes it difficult to be sure that an illness is  

caused by Coronavirus Covid-19 and in some cases it can be even be confused with hay fever symptoms. 

There are though particular signs the NHS look out for which may indicate more clearly Coronavirus Covid-19 infection including:

• a new continuous cough - this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours ( If you normally have a cough it may be worse than usual)

• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

• a high temperature - this means you feel hot to touch on your front or back 

Of course, if you suspect Coronavirus Covid-19 infection you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

The good news is that for the majority of those infected the symptoms are usually mild or even not apparent (asymptomatic) although it should be noted asymptomatic people can pass the virus on to others.

For an unfortunate minority though Coronavirus Covid-19 can cause more severe symptoms like shortness of breath and advanced respiratory problems which may require hospital medical care. Sadly a small minority of those hospitalised will die.

Coronavirus Covid-19 advice for employers 

Stay at home, lock down and social distancing has enabled the Coronavirus Covid-19 epidemic to be managed to the extent that we no longer have to mandate absence from work. But the return to work also needs to be closely managed and controlled to make sure that everyone stays safe and minimises risk in the working environment. Here are some things employers should consider:

• Create a Coronavirus Covid-19 management plan and communicate it to employees, subcontractors and site visitors

• Ensure everyone continues to practice social distancing by keeping at least 2 metres apart at work, or travelling to and from work. This is particularly important on public transport.

• Try to avoid confined spaces when others are present

• Work as much as possible outdoors including when eating or holding meetings

• Encourage working from home wherever practical 

• Use flexible working to minimise the number of people on site at any one time

• Use online meeting systems 

• As much as possible do not share equipment 

• Consider the implications of Coronavirus Covid-19 on staff terms and conditions and employment contracts

And of course - maintain good hygiene, disinfect surfaces and wash hands regularly.

Stay safe

Kind regards,

The team at MGS Construction.

info@mgsconstruction.co.uk

COVID-19 & Safely returning to the workplace

Following the recently revised Covid-19 Government guidance that workplaces within designated sectors should now begin to return to work, you will need to consider what possible changes are required to your working environment to keep employees and visitors safe. 

For many people, returning to the workplace is a positive and exciting time – a step towards a sense of normality. However, for others, it can be daunting and it is how the return to work is handled that can make all the difference, both to the employee and your organisation.

 Drawing upon our experience of interpreting Client’s workplace requirements, MGS Construction can now offer swift Coronavirus Covid-19 compliant workplace solutions, with minimal disruption to your business and employees allowing the transition back to work safely to be as smooth as possible.

 The services we offer, which can also be incorporated as part of regular and future fit out works to ensure compliance include:

·      Alterations to office, seating and desk arrangements to ensure working distances are adhered to 

·      Adaptions to form drop off and collection areas

·      Supply and installation of plastic shields where employees are interacting with the public 

·      Adaptions to form one-way systems within workspaces to restrict the amount of cross over 

·      Installing hand sanitizer dispensers & hand washing stations throughout the workplace

·      Adaptations to entrances and exits to allowed staggered access and egress

·      Installation of no-touch or low touch doors, switches and access control

·      Installation of PPE stations within the workplace

·      Installation of demarcation routes and safety signage 

·      Design, supply and installation of bespoke integrated solutions to maintain your workplace design ethos

 In addition to existing workplace adaptations, we recognise that working from home in some capacity is likely to form part of working life for many people and organisations from now on. 

Having a dedicated home workspace aids efficient and positive working, and MGS construction are able to provide you with bespoke solutions, allowing working from home and the working environment to run in parallel.

 These include:

·      Adaptations to existing areas to form home offices & general workspace

·      Conversion of existing outbuildings & garages into home offices & shared use areas

·      Construction of extensions and outbuildings to form home office spaces & workshops etc.

If you would like to discuss how we can assist with your return to work or working from home project, please do not hesitate to get in touch and speak to one of our specialists.

Kind regards,

The team at MGS Construction.

info@mgsconstruction.co.uk

01462 768317

The Benefits of a Local Construction Company

When it comes to building work you need to work with a local construction company. They’re the only people you should be dealing with. Whether it’s a refurbishment project, an extension or a new build, their skills are crucial. Any building work needs to be completed to a high standard to ensure it not only meets your expectations, but is also safe and secure. Peace of mind, therefore, is crucial. And a team of professionals will deliver this in a manner which exceeds your expectations.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of a local construction company:

·      Excellent Communication: Working with a local construction company guarantees that communication is quick and easy. A contractor who is located in a different region may be available on the phone, but what if you can’t get hold of them? Do you really want to drive an hour to their premises? With a local contractor you can rest assured that you can easily locate them. Estimates and quotes, therefore, can be finalised more quickly. And any on-site issues, if they arise, can be quickly rectified.

·      Their Work is Available to View:It’s always a good idea to take a look at similar projects a construction company has completed. But this isn’t easy when they haven’t completed work in your area before. Sure, they can show you photos, but this never tells the whole story. A major benefit of a local construction company is that examples of their work will be located nearby. This proximity allows you to develop an understanding of the quality on offer and what a finished project looks like. 

·      More Cost Effective:When it comes to any building project there is one factor which is more important than any other: budget. The problem with working with out of town contractors is the distance involved. Extra costs generated by this scenario involve increased transport costs and out of area labour rates. And these can soon push you over budget and threaten the completion of your project. It makes much more sense to work with a local construction company. Logistic costs are significantly reduced and your cost planningcan remain on track.

·      Adherence to Local Practices:Construction work can be complex. But the practices and regulations surrounding it can be even more complex. A contractor from the other side of the country may provide amazing workmanship, but can they comply with local codes and practices? A local construction company will work to these regulations every week and know them inside out. And this guarantees that your project won’t be penalised for breaching local rules.

·      Better Scheduling: A local construction company will find it easier to fit you into their schedule. The main issue with out of area contractors is that their resources are also located out of area. Relocating all of these resources is difficult and time consuming. And this is why they may struggle to accommodate your project during the timeframe you require. Sticking with a local company avoids these pitfalls and keeps your project on schedule.

A local construction company is clearly the best way forward for any building project. With fewer obstacles in place, and a more cost effective approach, a local contractor guarantees that your project will remain hassle free and be completed on time. 

If you’re interested to hear more about how we can support with your next project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

How to achieve a positive work environment

One of the foundations of a successful business is the ability to create a positive work environment. Therefore, any aspect of office life that you can adjust to increase the mood and performance of employees should never be ignored. And this is why it’s crucial to deliver a best in class work environment to help your business achieve the success it (and its customers) deserve. An office fit outpresents a fantastic opportunity to achieve this, but what are the key aspects to consider?

Achieving the Perfect Work Environment

An office fit outcan revitalise your work environment and enhance the drive of your employees, but it’s a delicate art to master. However, by concentrating on the most important aspects of office life, you can make a significant difference to your organisation’s performance. The key areas to concentrate on are:

·      Natural Light: The presence of natural light in an office may seem unremarkable, but it’s an element whose simplicity can transform the mood of an office. With studies showing that natural light can reduce stress and improve morale, one of the first moves you should make is to increase the amount of natural light in your office. This can be achieved with adjustments to existing windows and also moving employees closer to the windows.

·      Space:Cramped conditions never make for comfortable surroundings be it on a packed, rush hour train or in an office where you’re practically sharing the same chair with your neighbour. Making use of your existing space and space planning, therefore, is crucial and an office fit out is the perfect time to realise this. An open plan office will not only reduce any feelings of isolation, but it will also open up the available space and make collaboration amongst employees easier.

·      Enhance Your Technology:We operate in a business landscape where small margins can make huge differences in success. Technology, of course, is essential in achieving these small margins and an office fit out is the perfect time to upgrade your equipment and enhance your productivity. The wireless world we live in has made us more productive and reduced time spent on menial tasks, so embracing the latest advances in connectivity, such as the internet of things, should be a priority in improving your employees’ performance.

·      Proximity to Food and Water: Two of the most important staples of happiness are the availability of food and water. And an office that ensures both of these staples are in close proximity is a happy office. Simple touches such as communal kitchen areas and water coolers can provide both healthy and social enhancement to an office which, in turn, can engender a real boost in productivity. Much like plants, humans who are well fed and watered will soon bloom.

Take Control of Your Work Environment

By concentrating on these key areas, you’ll soon discover that your commercial refurbishmentout can revolutionise the way in which your office operates. And, thanks to the simplicity of these approaches, any office budget will be able to accommodate these changes and create the perfect work environment for your employees.

For more information on how we can assist your office refurbishment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

5 Steps to Ensure a Successful Office Fit Out Project

The need to either build a new office space or refurbish an existing one is a task that all successful businesses will face. However, whilst it’s easy to decide that an office fit out project is required, it can be a lot harder to execute one successfully due to the number of factors involved. And when you consider the amount of downtime and disruption this can cause your organisation, you begin to understand just how crucial it is to plan it properly.

There are certain steps you can follow that will help to ensure that your office fit out project goes are smoothly as possible, including:

1.     Involve Your Employees: The most important element of any office is the employees that work in it every day. And their feedback on any potential change to the office is always valuable. After all, your employees’ well-being goes hand in hand with their motivation and productivity, so you want to avoid any changes to the office which could impact this. Therefore, to get your space planning correct, make sure you sit down with your employees and discuss the project to understand any concerns or comments they have on the project. 

2.     Minimise Downtime:The moment you start moving desks and computer equipment around you begin to disrupt the operations of an office. Whether you’re altering the layout or moving equipment to a different building, these processes severely restrict your employees’ ability to do their jobs. Planning how and when to carry out this work is essential. Where possible, complete as much work out of hours or at weekends when the office isn’t staffed. This allows greater continuity for your employees to complete their work.

3.     Plan for Growth:Business changes rapidly, so it’s vital that you plan for any future growth during your fit out project. Winning a new contract, for example, can lead to a requirement for new staff and you need to make sure there’s room to accommodate them. It makes sense, therefore, to always build office space with an eye on the future rather than purely basing your needs on your existing situation. It may feel costly for space that isn’t required immediately, but space planning will save you a major headache in the future when you need to expand.

4.     Work with Professionals: It’s unlikely that your organisation will have the skills to undergo fitting out a new premises, even a basic refurbishment can be complex. The best way of tackling these projects is to work with professionals who have the experience to advise you on the most appropriate solution for your needs and then to put this plan into action.

5.     Set a Budget: The foundation of all office fit out projects is a budget and, when cost planning is done correctly, you can guarantee a project which meets all your operational needs and financial needs. Establishing your proposed budget should be the very first step of any fit out project and needs to be planned carefully to reduce the risk of having to rethink it half way through when funds run out.

At MGS we’ve built up extensive knowledge of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to office fit out projects, and together with our complete project management service, we pass this experience on to our clients in each new project. 

If you have any questions about how we can support with your next project, don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak to one of the team. 

Office Refurbishment Trends to Look out for in 2019

It’s crucial that your office reflects the ethos of your business and, when it comes to visual aesthetics, you really want your office to stand out and be unique. A workspace that has received little care or attention over the years will not only put across a poor public image, but it can also have a significant impact on your employees’ motivation. By regularly refurbishing your office, you can enhance its visual appeal and maximise your workforce’s productivity. 

And, if you’re currently considering a makeover for your office, it’s vital that you know what the office refurbishment trends to look out for in 2019 are.

Hot Desking

Hot desking is the perfect solution for any office which experiences employees coming in and out on a regular basis. A communal and flexible method of working, hot desking allows employees to quickly pitch up to any workstation and get to work. For hot desking to work, however, you have to make sure that you invest in the correct equipment. Chairs, monitor arms and laptop stands, for example, all need to be fully adjustable in order to achieve the communal experience. And modular power supplies that enable staff to get their electrical devices up and running instantly are an essential that can’t be missed.

Superior Tech Options

We live in an age where technology is an integral part of both our work and home lives, so it’s important that this is a central consideration of any office refurbishment in 2019. WiFi, for example, helps to connect countless smart devices and, as a result, the presence of reliable and state of the art WiFi facilities should be a priority. Wireless charging points, too, are assets that few offices can afford to go without due to the flexibility they provide and their ability to reduce downtime for battery powered devices.

Enhanced Wellbeing

It’s becoming increasingly important to recognise the benefits of wellbeing for your employees and a refurbishment project is perfect to help facilitate this. Recharge rooms and relaxation spaces are installations which aim to improve the mental health of your employees and reduce the fatigue caused by the various stressors that accompany office life. While these quiet spaces are fantastic for improving morale and reducing absenteeism, they’re not the only way to enhance wellbeing. A well designed kitchen, for example, with modern appliances that emphasise healthy eating can also boost your employees’ wellbeing.

Energising with Colour

The power of colour should never be underestimated in an office and, in 2019, the trend is to embrace bold colours to bring your workspace to life. If you want your office to catch the eye and generate interest then you should be focussing on bold colours such as yellow, blue and green. And, by revitalising your office in this manner, you stand to benefit in two key areas. Firstly, your staff’s motivation levels will increase due to the investment in their surroundings and, secondly, the bold, engaging aesthetics will capture the imagination of any customers visiting your office.

If you’d like guidance on how to these trends could apply to your office in 2019, don’t hesitate to get in touch and our team will gladly talk you through some options. 

How to Choose the Right Commercial Refurbishment Contractor

Refreshing a commercial building is a task that should never be taken lightly, so it’s crucial that you understand what makes a good commercial refurbishment service. After all, a successful refurbishment can revitalise morale, inject a new energy into your company and allow you to keep pace with contemporary trends. However, if you pick the wrong contractor for the job then the results will have a negative impact on your productivity and your commercial image.

Clearly, it’s paramount that you know what to look for in a commercial refurbishment contractor, so let’s look at this in a little more depth.

Are They the Best at What They Do?

Commercial refurbishment projects are complex and call for high levels of expertise to ensure they run smoothly with the minimum of problems. Therefore, it’s important that you investigate the reputability of your contractor by checking the following:

• Are they accredited with any health and safety schemes? This is essential to ensure peace of mind that the contractor will adhere to the correct guidelines when working on your site.

• Ask for references from previous clients so that you can gauge the level of quality in their work and how they conduct their professional relationships.

•  Word of mouth should never be underestimated, so carry out some due diligence by asking other local businesses for their opinion on who the best commercial refurbishment contractor is in your area.

What is Their Availability?

Establishing the availability of your contractor should be one of the earliest moves you make. Good contractors are, naturally, busy throughout the year and may not be available when you need your refurbishment. Therefore, you need to start planning well in advance of your proposed refurbishment date. 

Allowing yourself a six month head start should provide you and your contractor with plenty of time to lock in a date that suits both of you. Otherwise, you run the risk of having to settle for a contractor who doesn’t necessarily conform to the high standards you’re looking for.

The Importance of Cost

Budgets are becoming tighter than ever as organisations look to streamline their spending in order to remain competitive, but this doesn’t mean you should scrimp on costs. Instead, you need to treat the tender process with great respect and care in order to understand what you will be receiving for your money. 

Make sure that you receive multiple quotes from different contractors as this will allow you to compare the services on offer and evaluate the costs being proposed. It’s vital that you understand what the price constitutes and how this translates into the refurbishment e.g. certain services may not be necessary for your refurbishment project. 

And, perhaps most important, is clarifying that the quoted price is the final price as some contractors have a habit of adding in extra costs depending on how the project unfolds.

Making Your Choice 

The only person who can make the final decision on choosing a refurbishment contractor is you. And that’s why you need to be 100% certain that you’re picking the best contractor. Thankfully, by carrying out simple, yet effective evaluations in a conscientious manner, you should find that you end up working with that dream contractor who can deliver your refurbishment to a high standard.

We pride ourselves on offering reliable services at the highest quality. For more information on how MGS Construction can help with your next commercial project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

The MGS Team