The workplace as we know has been changing even prior to the pandemic. Over the last decade, we’ve seen changes in style, design, form, and even type of space to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s workers. Flexible workplaces have grown in popularity, and flexible desk options have enabled the integration and collaboration of departments like never before. What, then, will tomorrow bring?

An increasing number of professionals around the world are working remotely (at least part-time) for the near future. Because most employees didn't have the time to prepare for this big change, many of us weren't prepared with the tools we needed to make working remotely efficient. Even if you have moved on from your kitchen table and now have a proper desk and chair, it's important to remember that we all need a bit of time for ourselves and our health (including mental) needs to be a priority. Here's some ways you can get creative with your self-care strategies.

The numbers don't lie: your team wants to return to the workplace, at least part-time. Whether it's a hybrid model (as we're seeing with our schools), back in phases, or whatever format fits your needs, we know the office isn't dead, and you're likely planning for a future where your team can collaborative safely together.

But, like many of our clients, you're probably facing some up-hill battles and complexities that don't make your return a breeze. How do you rearrange desks and workstations? Do you put up plexiglass dividers or barriers? How will your team be able to exist and work safely in one space, and what will you do to ensure their safety is above all else?

So, you're taking a look at your workplace, and you're realizing something: now that people are working remotely (part-time or fully), and now that people in the workplace are distanced and separated, you're left with too much furniture for current needs. 

It's the question on many minds: "when my team returns to the office, what will that look like?" Think about your space for a moment. Will you need all of the furniture you have? What will you do if you have too much or too little? How are you arranging your space to keep safe distances, and how will you keep that space clean and safe for your team?

It's the question on every parent's mind: "How will my child stay safe and healthy in a school environment?"

As our children prepare for the school year, we know things will be different. Whether they're fully remote, fully in-school, or a hybrid of both, our learning environments are going to look and feel a little different, but that doesn't mean they have to distract from a child's learning! In these fast-changing times, we're staying attentive to the latest research to design safer classrooms with the right kind of furniture and technology to help keep our kids as safe as they can be. Check out what some of our schools are adopting to make safer spaces:

You need to make a phone call, but you don't want to disturb the whole office. You need a soundproof space to work or call from, but that just doesn't exist in your current area (or at least, not without leaving the building). Maybe you need a quick team huddle, virtually or in-person, and you don't want others to overhear, to disrupt anyone else, or to be disturbed by ambient noises.

73% of professionals said they would be more comfortable working from home if they had a better home office setup, according to our recent Return to Work Survey. Products like an ergonomic chair, a sit-to-stand desk, and monitor arms aren't just luxuries or wish-list items - they're the key to working productively, and they're what will keep you working harder, smarter, and longer without strain! But how do you know if your set-up is truly ergonomic?

The world of Esports Arenas and competitive video gaming may be new to some, but it’s a burgeoning industry that’s only growing in popularity! Esports, or “electronic sports” games, have been around for years, though only recently has their presence in mainstream media (even coverage from outlets like ESPN) grown to such heights – now, a $1+ Billion industry! With all that growth comes spaces designed specifically to foster gaming abilities and competitive events, and that’s where we come into play; let’s dive deeper into more of what these Esports Arenas are and how Continental Office is creating these unique spaces to help them grow!

There isn’t one business or industry that’s been unaffected by COVID-19. Though some of us are already going back to the workplace and have adopted a bevy of new guidelines, others are still waiting and working remotely, and many are somewhere in between. To help our clients plan for their own returns and see first-hand just how this pandemic has affected workplace attitudes and work conditions, we launched a Return to Work Survey of working professionals, spanning all industries, sizes, and in multiple states, and the results are in!