Question: how should social distancing be maintained in workplace common areas??

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Offices and contact centres
section_headers: 3. Social distancing at work
3.5 Common areas
section_content: Objective: To maintain social distancing while using common areas.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Working collaboratively with landlords and other tenants in multi-tenant sites/buildings to ensure consistency across common areas, for example, receptions, staircases.


Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or canteens.


Using safe outside areas for breaks.


Creating additional space by using other parts of the workplace or building that have been freed up by remote working.


Installing screens to protect staff in receptions or similar areas.


Providing packaged meals or similar to avoid fully opening staff canteens.


Encouraging workers to bring their own food.


Reconfiguring seating and tables to maintain spacing and reduce face-to-face interactions.


Encouraging staff to remain on-site and, when not possible, maintaining social distancing while off-site.


Regulating use of locker rooms, changing areas and other facility areas to reduce concurrent usage.


Encouraging storage of personal items and clothing in personal storage spaces, for example, lockers and during shifts.



Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer applies to landlords and rental tenant buildings and not to just general workplace common areas.
This is a long, detailed list of things to do to maintain social distancing in the workplace. It directly answers the question.

Reviewer ratings:
Could be Improved
Excellent

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Labs and research facilities
section_headers: 3. Social distancing at work
3.5 Common areas
section_content: Objective: To maintain social-distancing while using common areas. Modern lab
and research buildings are often designed with many common areas to encourage
collaboration and networking.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or places to eat.


Using safe outside areas for breaks.


Creating additional space by using other parts of the worksite or building that have been freed up by remote working.


Installing screens to protect staff in receptions or similar areas.


Providing packaged meals or similar to avoid opening staff canteens.


Encouraging workers to bring their own food.


Reconfiguring seating and tables to maintain spacing and reduce face-to-face interactions.


Encouraging staff to remain on-site and, when not possible, maintaining social distancing while off-site.


Regulating use of locker rooms, changing areas and other facility areas to reduce concurrent usage.


Encouraging storage of personal items and clothing in personal storage spaces, for example lockers, during working hours.



Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer relates to labs and research buildings and not general workplace common areas.
This directly answers the question with a numbered list of things to do and to consider.

Reviewer ratings:
Could be Improved
Excellent

Answer passage (source: UK):
page_title: Factories, plants and warehouses
section_headers: 3. Social distancing at work
3.5 Common areas
section_content: Objective: To maintain social-distancing while using common areas.
Steps that will usually be needed:


Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or places to eat.


Using safe outside areas for breaks.


Creating additional space by using other parts of the worksite or building that have been freed up by remote working.


Using protective screening for staff in receptions or similar areas.


Providing packaged meals or similar to avoid opening staff canteens, where possible.


Reconfiguring seating and tables to maintain spacing and reduce face-to-face interactions.


Encouraging staff to stay on-site during working hours.


Considering use of social distance marking for other common areas such as toilets, showers, lockers and changing rooms and in any other areas where queues typically form.



Reviewer feedback on this answer:
This answer gives broad information that can be applied to most common areas in the workplace.
This is a detailed list of things to do and to consider that directly answers the question.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent