Together at Work
IA Interior Architects and the IA COVID-19 Workplace Recovery Team is launching a robust program of workplace assessments, recommendations, and outputs called The Revived Workplace. Designed to proactively identify opportunities for safeguarding the workplace based on WHO, OSHA, CDC, HSE, and other recommendations, these tools will assist IA teams in collaborating with clients to prepare their spaces for both immediate and long-term responses to COVID-19.
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In building a comprehensive, integrated solution for our clients, we’re bringing multiple vertical markets and subject matter experts together to identify gaps in the workplace so we can assist organizations in developing a plan quickly, and implement the right solution to get their employees back in the workplace safely.
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- David bourke | IA Interior Architects Co-President & CEO
Three newly-developed tools in particular (a Workplace Readiness Assessment and Action Plan, Protocol Signage and Graphics Turnkey Solution, and IA’s space planning app called Quanta™ headline the new program rollout. Together, the systems effectively establish IA Interior Architects as an all-in-one solution for partners looking to address every aspect of the workforce experience as they prepare their teams for the eventual return to the workplace.
The program rollout will address all 7 core aspects of the Workforce Experience Model, bringing several teams together in the creation of one holistic action plan.
Workplace Readiness Assessment and Action Plan
IA has partnered with clients to create a comprehensive roadmap that revives the workforce experience into a safer, more comfortable, healthy, and engaging model. Tish Kruse, IA’s Senior Director of Strategy, describes it this way: “Conducting the assessment provides clients with an understanding of the gap between the current state and the desired return state. This gap analysis then provides the foundation to create an action plan to fill the gap.”
Starting with a series of interactive discussions with client teams, the robust workplace readiness assessment begins with an evaluation of the existing workplace and its alignment with the recommendations of global health experts, marrying them with local regulations as well as individual organizations’ policies, including telework. Next, near- and long-term goals outside of those recommendations are built into the plan, leading to a series of outputs that are incorporated into the greater Revived Workplace effort. “The prospect of having employees return to the office can seem daunting, acknowledging all the aspects of the work environment that must be considered, as well the support and guidance needed to shift ingrained habits and behaviors,” continues Kruse. “The tool provides a comprehensive and methodical means to formulate a holistic approach resulting in a comprehensive action plan.”
This Venn diagram illustrates the services and outputs of the Workplace Assessment and Action Plan.
Protocol Signage & Graphics Turnkey Solution
With the full program rollout also comes a signage kit of parts that can be easily adapted for individual clients and brands. The new protocol focuses on navigation and behavioral change to help direct and inform employees of new policies and protocols established in the assessment and action plan stages. “We are delivering a comprehensive solution, from placement strategy to delivery and installation of the signage in just a few weeks,” explains Julie Maggos, IA’s Senior Director of Experiential Graphics. Informed by the assessment and action plan, the kit begins with a basic design package that can be made to incorporate brand color and fonts, or further customized to match brand voice and personality. “These should not be the standard signs that you see in retail or healthcare environments,” continues Maggos, “because workplace signage should speak to employees (not customers or patients) and be authentic, reassuring, and motivating.” An integral component of The Revived Workplace, the entire signage strategy, design, production, and installation process are managed by IA and seamlessly incorporated into the client Action Plan and accompanying visualization tools. “It’s a rather unique arrangement-” reflects the Experiential Graphic Design team lead, “-this is truly a one-stop-shop for executing the signage in time for a return to the office.”
IA Quanta™: The Revived Workplace Toolkit
Green boundaries indicate compliance with social distancing protocols, while other indicators ensure that teams are adhering to signage and graphics plans, wayfinding systems, local code and regulations, and broader project goals.
The new tool automates the process of identifying potential weaknesses in the new workforce experience strategy, taking into consideration furniture plans, signage, circulation planning, navigation planning, and more. “In effect, we’ve automated compliance checks while making the process of visualizing workplace strategies immediate and seamless,” Messick continues. “It’s going to be a real game-changer.”
Together at Work
Together, the new, integrated systems will work to maximize productivity and connection while making employees feel safe in the workplace. “I’m optimistic that these tools will allow us to make the most of what learning opportunities exist that could inform the next iteration of the workplace,” says Design Director John Capobianco. “This is a tumultuous time for many of our clients,” he acknowledges. “The systems we’ve developed will aid them in collaborating on a well-considered plan that will reassure their stakeholders in the return to work effort.”
For more information about the program, click here to reach out to your local IA team, or email [email protected].
IA is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture—a radical idea in 1984, when IA was founded. We are highly connected agents of change, committed to creativity, innovation, growth, and community.
IA is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture—a radical idea in 1984, when IA was founded. We are highly connected agents of change, committed to creativity, innovation, growth, and community.