A Return to the Workplace

After more than one and half years of the pandemic, repeated lockdowns, and general uncertainty, it seems as though we are finally emerging from a lengthy period of remote working.

Many employers across the UK are preparing their businesses, office spaces and workplaces for a return, and are starting to plan the months ahead for their employees. Whether your workplace is usually a standard office or is a business with a warehouse, back-office, or other storage facility, there may be some changes to the workforce and the work routine that will need to be taken into consideration on reopening. Employees may now have the option of working from home, for example, meaning fewer desks are required. Or a business may have expanded or evolved into a new product area over the course of the pandemic, meaning new storage solutions and workflows are required.

Equipping your Workplace

With most businesses now slowly transitioning back to some sense of normality, it is a good time to reconsider and assess your workplace. Perform a check of the current set-up, work processes and storage solutions and see if there are ways to improve on the existing set-up. This is especially relevant for organisations in the construction or material handling industries, as well as for any businesses that require a good deal of storage.

Expanding the Warehouse

There are many factors to consider when approaching the uncertain future of British offices. The number of employees and whether they will have the option to work partly from home must be considered, as well as the general equipment and space. Businesses that have a warehouse may need to investigate new storage options and may need items such as forklifts, electric stacker trucks, or shelving from a supplier like Jungheinrich-Profishop. This is especially important if your company has expanded throughout the pandemic and you need to invest in additional storage space and packing solutions. Equipment and tools that can help you expand or develop your existing warehouse space include the following:

  • Lifting and stacking heavy goods is best done with a forklift or electric stacker
  • Conveyor tables and dollys are ideal for transporting goods by hand around a warehouse
  • Racks and metal shelving are generally best for storing and organising stock
  • Warehouse equipment such as ladders, order pickers and cleaning/sweeping supplies are essential for maintaining a safe, well-organised warehouse
  • Hygiene products and hazardous material storage products are more important than ever before
  • Height-adjustable tables and anti-slip mats create a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace for employees
  • For increased safety, barriers and guidance systems should be implemented

Operating Equipment

When planned appropriately, warehouse equipment offers lots of benefits for your workplace. It lets you implement seamless work processes, for example, and ensures the health and safety of workers. It is worth investing in the best operating equipment for your organisation, as it is a long-term investment that can have a big impact on the day-to-day operations and efficiency of the company. There are many products available to adapt your workplace in terms of ergonomics and layout for both indoor and outdoor facilities. Investing in high-quality equipment will result in a smooth workflow, heavily reduced downtimes and far fewer breakages. High-quality warehouse materials and equipment makes a strong investment over the long-term and equipping your business well will pay off.

Logistics and Storage Expertise

Equipping a company that deals with material handling or the likes of the material flow engineering industry generally requires one or two logistics experts with solid expertise in warehouse management. Preparing a standard office space is somewhat less complex, though still requires appropriate planning. A return to the workplace post-COVID should be done with care and planning, regardless of the business type or working space.

There are lots of warehouse management tips that may be worth checking out when planning a return to the workplace after the pandemic. Ensuring you are well-prepared and organised for the return will mean a smooth transition back to normality, both for employees and your customers. It may mean an investment in new tools, shelving, and operational equipment, so researching these items thoroughly will ensure you get the best items for your business needs.