With lockdown rules slowly easing with the optional go ahead to return to the workplace, it seems some people are eager to get back into the office environment. For the few that have been self-isolating alone, single parents or working in unsuitable make-shift home offices over the past few months all may have taken a serious toll on their mental health and overall wellbeing.

The simple day-to-day social impact of an office environment and "small talk" with colleagues has been proven to boost employees positive emotions and sense of wellbeing as well as making them more willing to go that extra mile to help support colleagues and their organisation (according to a study done by Rutgers and the University of Exeter Business School). The benefits of face-to-face social interaction just can not be replicated by online calls. This is why it is understandable that company owners have made the decision to allow staff to optionally return to the workplace should it be beneficial for their wellbeing.

However, offices that are reopening will have to follow strict government guidelines in order to comply with the new regulations to remain open and reduced the potential risk of getting fined. These guidelines include:

1. Carrying out a COVID-19 risk assessment in consultation with workers or trade unions.
2. Increasing the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning (providing hand sanitizer and sprays that are easily accessible to staff and customers)
3. Required to hand sanitise when entering and exiting the premises.
4. Comply with the social distancing guidelines by keeping people 2m apart from each other. If this is not possible then barriers in shared spaces should be implemented or minimise the amount of staff in the office at one time (maybe having an alternating rota)
5. A poster must be displayed visibly to all staff and customers that your workplace complies with the guidance principles.