COVID-19 Safe Office Tools: Privacy Screens

What if a simple addition to your existing set-up could make your workplace safer than ever?

Many business owners and managers are very concerned about returning to work after COVID-19. And that means they are searching for safe office tools to help protect all of their employees.

As it turns out, privacy screens and protection dividers may be the perfect safety option. Why is that? Keep reading to learn how privacy screens can protect employees!

What Are Privacy Screens and Safety Panels?

We've put together a comprehensive guide to how privacy screens can provide a safer workplace. Before we go any further, we need to discuss what these panels are.

Traditional privacy screens and dividers are basically screens made of acrylic, plexi-glass or sometimes acoustic materials. They can be used in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes such as privacy and acoustic dampening. However, many workplaces are discovering that panels are the go-to solution for separating workers to keep them safe and create personal enclosed work areas.

Panel materials can be transparent or opaque, depending on your needs. Whichever design you choose, easy add-on installation means that you can enjoy the safety features of these screens with minimal disruption to your workplace or your employees.

Any workplace that longs to get "back to normal" after COVID-19 while still enjoying enhanced safety measures can benefit from these dividers.

How Do You Install Privacy Screens and Dividers?

By now, you probably have a simple question: how do you install screens and dividers? The answer is - quite simply! 

The screens are designed to be installed into existing work spaces in almost any configuration. We have a brief overview of the different options below. The important part, though, is that offices of any size and any configuration can benefit from these dividers.

Versatility means that these panels and dividers can be reconfigured and moved around to meet your growing needs. Some offices may just need a few dividers for areas like a secretary station or reception desk that faces customers. Schools are using lightweight and easily movable screens for student and teacher desks. Others may need free-standing floor dividers that act as temporary walls, to dramatically change the shape of their workplace.

Now that you know a bit more about the functionality and versatility of these dividers, let's look at some popular configurations.

Placement Options

One of the best things about these screens is that a variety of styles and installation options exist. No matter your office setup, there is a solution that will create added safety.

For example, a single desk can be almost entirely enclosed by setting up a front screen and two side screens. This provides maximum safety when interacting with customers or fellow employees. The U-Shaped models come with hinges and are extremely popular in schools right now, as students can fold and take their personal screen with them throughout the day. These are lightweight and have rounded and sometimes covered edges, to protect from injury.

You can also place screens in the middle of a table for any employees who work across from each other or in libraries or study rooms. This makes the user safer while letting you design the space in creative ways. For example, a single large table can become multiple work spaces with the right dividers.

Already have cubicles set up? It's easy to mount these panels to cubicles to raise the heights of already existing walls. Most manufacturers have a myriad of brackets and clips that fasten screens to different surfaces. These attachment options range from permanent screw-in brackets to c-clamps that can be endlessly re-positioned, as well as freestanding desktop panels.

Redundancy and Safety

In the last few years, many businesses have embraced the open floor plan model. While this makes the office modern and encourages collaboration, it's not as safe in the time of COVID-19.

With enough privacy screens, though, you can create redundancy and safety across an entire open plan space. It's possible to add dividers between each desk, work area or cubicle so that even employees who work very close to one another are safely cordoned off.

Of course, you may have already begun to change the furniture layout to better incorporate social distancing. These dividers are equally accommodating, and you can adapt them to any new arrangements you make over time with many brackets and clamps being easy to move and reconfigure.

Size Options

Privacy screens and panels come in a variety of widths and some standard heights of 12"-30". Depending on where you need to install these there is a size to accommodate. Floor models are also available, should you want freestanding panels on casters that can be rolled to different locations depending on meetings and collaboration needs.

The Return to Normality

During the pandemic, employers and employees alike crave one thing: a return to normality. And with the right dividers, you can create a workplace that accommodates safety needs while still feeling like things are somewhat back to normal.

For example, U-shaped dividers help ensure that employees can safely congregate in the break room or other areas. And opaque PET panels can provide safety while still ensuring privacy and tending to acoustic dampening needs.

Transaction screens are great for receptionists, tellers and other employees who interface regularly with the public. Safety screens enable face-to-face interactions, which are needed in some contexts. While many of us can perform our jobs from home either on line or by phone, there are still many employees who need in-person contact to complete their tasks. In turn, customers and clients will appreciate having safety barriers!

Employee Morale

Let's face it: employee morale has suffered during COVID-19. Employees are understandably worried about their health and safety as well as that of their families. At the same time, it's impossible for most employees to stay home indefinitely during the pandemic.

That's why it is especially important for business owners and managers to employ all means available to protect workers. By showing that you're willing to invest in their safety, you can show employees how much you value them in a real and tangible way.

In addition to keeping employees safe, installing these dividers will foster the kind of employee loyalty and retention that every successful business relies on. The adage "healthy and happy employees are productive employees" rings true now more than ever.

Other COVID Measures

By now, you may be asking yourself: are there any downsides to these dividers? The short answer is "no," though it's important that you take all of the other safety measures suggested by the CDC in addition to installing safety panels.

Make sure to regularly clean and disinfect office surfaces, including the dividers. And make sure employees know not to share keyboards and other tools. These privacy panels and dividers are all easily cleaned with disinfectants. Some studies show that viruses become inactive quicker on porous and absorbent surfaces like Acoufelt FilaSorb™ felt. Using either the plexi, acrylic or PET, privacy panels will definitely keep your office more hygienic.

By following multiple COVID protocols and installing these dividers, you can ensure that your workplace is healthier and safer than ever. These barriers will act as cough and sneeze guards and even prevent employees from passing on the common cold and missing work days this winter.

Safe Office Tools: What's Next?

Now you know of one easy solution to keep the workplace safe and healthy. 

We specialize in protective screens and office furniture of every stripe. To see what we can do for your business, contact us today or check out our other safe work solutions.